Joyce Nichols Batson

Joyce Normalee Nichols Batson, was born on Monday, April 20, 1942, in Mardela Springs, MD. She was the 8th of 12 children born to the late William Irvin Nichols, Sr., and L. Bethina Dashiell Nichols. Joyce attended schools in Wicomico County Maryland and graduated from Salisbury High School, in the Class of 1961. Upon graduating, Joyce attended Maryland State College, now known as the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) in Princess Anne, MD. This is where she met the love of her life, Robert W. Batson, affectionately known to her as “Batson.” Joyce and Robert joined in holy matrimony on November 25, 1965, and recently celebrated 55 years of marriage. From this union came three children, Robert Jr., Paxton and Joy. After graduating from Maryland State, Joyce became a teacher in the Dorchester County School System, for 10 years. For a time after her departure from DCPS, Joyce held numerous roles, primarily in the field of early childhood education. In 1992, Joyce returned to the classroom as a teacher in the Wicomico County Public School System and retired from teaching in 2006. She was once nominated Teacher of the Year in Wicomico County. For over 60 years, Joyce was a member of the Nichols Sisters gospel singing group and travelled extensively throughout the East Coast. She was also an active member of John Wesley United Methodist Church, in Mardela Springs, MD, where she served as a choir member, Church Treasurer, Lay Servant, Homecoming Chair and director of the Zion Charge Choir. Joyce was preceded in death by one son, Robert, Jr. “Pumpkin”, three grandsons, Michael, Malik and Isiaah; two sisters, Joan and Sarah; two brothers, Howard Louis and William Jr.; and one brother-in-law, Samuel Batson, Sr. Joyce was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 11, 2020. She is survived by her husband, Robert Sr. of Rhodesdale, MD; one son, Paxton (Tomeco) of Rhodesdale, MD; one daughter, Joy Coleman (Detrick) of Severn, MD; daughter-in-law, Terri of Pocomoke City, MD; four grandchildren, Paxton Jr., Maya, Detrick Jr. and Eryn; one great-grandson, Paxton III; four sisters, Betty Ann Stewart of Delmar, MD, Christina Jones of Salisbury, MD, Phyllis Bivens of Chance, MD and Rev. Janice Austin of Salisbury, MD; three brothers, Rev. Dr. Hugh Nichols (Wanda) of Mardela Springs, MD, Gregory Nichols, Sr. (Rev. Lucille) of Salisbury, MD and Wayne Nichols (Carolyn) of Snow Hill, MD; two sisters-in-law, Katrena Bailey and Tanya Batson, both of Rhodesdale, MD; and three brothers-in-law, Fernandez Batson (Valerie) of Delmar, MD, Dwight Batson (Jeanette) of Rhodesdale, MD and Malcom Batson (Joan) of Cambridge, MD. Joyce also leaves to cherish fond memories of her, a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Joyce Nichols Batson

April 20, 1942 - December 10, 2020