Joyce Taylor Willey

Joyce Taylor Willey, 88, of Coventry, CT, and formerly of Vero Beach, FL, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after a long illness.
Born in Stafford, CT, Joyce grew up in Eagleville, CT, the daughter of Raymond and Vivian Warren. A proud graduate of Windham High School’s Class of 1954, she went on to earn her Master’s Degree and 6 Year Degree in Education from the University of Connecticut.
Joyce began her teaching career at Bacon Academy in Colchester before joining the faculty at Windham High School, where she taught business courses and inspired countless students until her retirement in 1998.
She married Alton G. Taylor in 1959, and shortly thereafter they settled into their beloved home in Coventry, where they raised their four sons. Family trips around New England were among her happiest memories. After Alton’s passing, Joyce embraced the world as an intrepid traveler, exploring far-off destinations and enjoying numerous cruises with her second husband, Donald Willey, whom she married in 1999. They made their home in Vero Beach, until his passing in 2016.
An avid collector, Joyce delighted in hunting for antiques, especially mustache cups. She was also known for her love of dancing with Donald in Florida. She approached life with a positive, can-do spirit that inspired those around her and she never missed an opportunity to live fully and joyfully.
Joyce is survived by her four sons, Warren Taylor and his wife Vicki Powers of Demarest, NJ; Jeffrey Taylor of Coventry, CT; Raymond Taylor and his wife Kathy Taylor of Coventry, CT; and James Taylor and his husband José Niño-Taylor of Boston, MA. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Courtney Rae Taylor and her husband Jacob Kenney of Berwick, ME; Alec Taylor of Manchester, CT; Jackson Taylor of Demarest, NJ; and Myles Taylor of Boston, MA. She also leaves behind three great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many extended family members and dear friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Dudley Warren, her husbands Alton G. Taylor and Donald Willey, her nephew Lee Warren and her niece Donna Jacobson.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Potter Funeral Home in Willimantic, CT. A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Second Congregational Church of North Coventry, followed by burial at New Storrs Cemetery. For an online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Second Congregational Church of North Coventry, CT.