Joyce T. Davis

July 3, 1956 ~ August 21, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joyce T. Davis, who passed away on August 21, 2026, at the age of 70.

Joyce was a proud New Yorker whose life was deeply rooted in her family, her community, and her commitment to others. She was a mother, grandmother, sister, friend, educator, and advocate whose presence was woven deeply into the lives of those who knew and loved her.

Joyce dedicated more than 40 years to special education, spending much of her career teaching in the South Bronx before continuing her work in Yonkers, where she retired. For Joyce, special education was never simply a profession; it was personal. She believed fiercely in advocating for children whose needs and abilities were too often overlooked and was committed to making sure they were seen, supported, and valued.

She was the loving mother of Randolph S. Ortiz and Christina T. M. Carranceja, and the immensely proud grandmother of Jayden and Bryson Ortiz and Inaru and Saana Carranceja. But “Grandma” was never going to work for Joyce. To her grandchildren, she was affectionately known as Sasa or, even better, Sasa Frass, a name far more fitting for a woman with as much personality as she had.

She was known for color. Bright clothes, bright jewelry, a bright car; Joyce believed in making an entrance. From head to toe, from her hair and nails to her lipstick and accessories, she embraced color boldly and unapologetically. You could see Joyce coming, and somehow that brightness reflected her.

She had a strong love of music and dancing, and she brought that same energy wherever she went. Joyce had a natural warmth that drew people to her. Again and again, those who met her seemed to come away with the same impression: “Your mother is lovely.” People took to her easily, and she had a way of leaving an impression long after an interaction ended.

Her life included joy, challenges, change, family, music, dancing, laughter, and countless ordinary moments that, in retrospect, became some of the most precious. Her family will remember not simply how her life ended, but the many years that came before... the conversations, celebrations, traditions, meals, movement, color, and everyday moments that made up a lifetime together.

Joyce was predeceased by her parents, Abraham and Nonie Davis, and her older brother, Ozzie Davis.

She leaves behind her children, grandchildren, younger brother Stephan Davis, extended family, friends, former colleagues, and generations of students and families whose lives were touched by her work and advocacy.

Although saying goodbye is painful, her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now at rest.

Joyce T. Davis will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and impossible to forget.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 30th from 1 pm to 4 pm at Brooks Funeral Home, located at 481 Gidney Avenue. A Funeral Home Service will be held at 3:30 pm.