Joyce A.

Patton

Suddenly on November 4, 2026, Joyce A. Patton, 76, of West Haven, took flight to her heavenly father.

Joyce was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on July 18, 1950, a daughter of the late Stokes Patton and Josie Roseboro Patton.

Joyce wanted to be a Broadway dancer; however, her mother convinced her otherwise. She was reared in Rock Hill, SC and attended Rock Grove AME Zion Church where she was a choir member and usher. She sang in high school and in the Livingstone Gospel Choir. She came to New Haven, CT and became a teacher for 35 years.

As an active member of Varick Memorial AME Zion Church, she sang in several choirs; was a Sunday School teacher; Missionary; and was also a Class Leader. She had a beautiful voice and shared her gift of song with the Heritage Chorale. Joyce joyfully served as the secretary of Youth and secretary of Supplies for the Hartford District Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society, New England Conference AME Zion Church.

Joyce served as an executive member of NAACP and was presently ambassador for YCCI.

Even though childless, Joyce loved all her godchildren and former students.

She leaves to mourn a sister, Lillian Reason; nephew, Curtis John Reason, Jr.; great-nephews, Curtis J. Reason and Meckhi Atkins; an aunt, Louise Roseboro; many cousins; and a host of other loving family members and friends. She was predeceased by her sister, Maizie Butterfield.

A celebration of Joyce’s life and legacy will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Varick Memorial AME Zion Church, 242 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven, followed by burial at Beaverdale Memorial Park. Family and friends may attend a viewing at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.