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Ecclesiastes 12:7: “and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” Those who touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever.

On May 2, 2024, Joyce D. Dugger Watson, of North Charleston, S.C., lost her battle with Alzheimer’s. Praise the Lord her body is now whole! Joyce was born on September 20, 1943 in Butler, Tenn., to Dayton H. and Marie Tester Dugger.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles H. Watson; her sister-in-law, Betty G. Saylor Dugger; her parents and several close relatives.

Joyce is survived by her only sibling, her brother, Robert C. Dugger of Watauga, Tenn.; three nieces, Gina A. Davis (Conrad) of Williamsburg, Va., Twyla J. South (Bryan) of Watauga, Tenn., and Christy D. South (Barry) of Chugiak, Alaska; one nephew, Ernest L. Dugger (Lana) of Kingsport, Tenn.; and several great-nieces and nephews as well as great-great-nieces and nephews. She is also survived by family, not by blood, but by hearts…neighbors, Steve and Karen Bedenbaugh and their children.

Joyce graduated from Elizabethton High School in 1961 and entered college at East Tennessee State studying Secretarial Science. She paused her education upon the death of her father so she could assist her mother in managing the home place. She kept in practice with her love of music by playing for Fairview Baptist Church. Then, Charles came along and swept her off her feet! Because of Charles’ career in construction, they moved several times in North Carolina, then South Carolina. She continued to work administrative jobs after moving to Goose Creek, S.C. She enjoyed crafting her cross-stitch projects and crocheted blankets. They loved traveling and were able to travel across the U.S., Europe and Asia. In 2020, they moved from their Goose Creek home to The Bridge at Charleston. Although Joyce spent her final years battling Alzheimer’s, she never lost the sparkle in her eyes or her girlish giggle. Spending any time with her on the phone, or in person, you could count on making her laugh over something. That laugh would make you smile. Joyce was a strong woman with Christian convictions and was a member of Northwood Baptist Church. She continued to attend religious services at The Bridge. She dearly loved and supported her family and friends!

Special thanks for the care, kindness and joy provided by the staff at The Bridge at Charleston. Thank you to Lutheran Hospice for stepping in and providing the extra compassion and care when needed.

Carolina Memorial Park, Funerals is assisting the family.