Joyce Lorraine Giddens

Joyce Lorraine Watkins was born on January 13, 1943, in Englewood, New Jersey, to the late William James and Willie Ree (Blount) Watkins. The youngest of four children. Joyce was surrounded by family as she peacefully entered into eternal life on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Joyce grew up in Englewood, NJ and graduated from Saint Cecilia High School in 1960. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Jersey City State College, followed by a Master of Arts in Teaching Children with Learning Disabilities from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ. Joyce answered “The Call” to teach with unwavering passion. She became the first African American educator in Nahunta, North Carolina, during the early 1960s, after receiving her teaching certification for North Carolina Public Schools. Her commitment to education was matched only by her devotion to God. Throughout her life, Joyce served people of all ages and backgrounds, always guided by her faith and the belief that service is worship. On August 13, 1966, Joyce married the love of her life, Robert Giddens of Harlem, NY. Together, they raised four children—Michelle, Stefanie, Tiffany, and Rodney—and eventually made their home on Beaumont Avenue in Teaneck, NJ. Their residence became a sanctuary of ministry, filled with Bible study, worship, prayer, and the gifts of the Spirit. Joyce’s love for the Lord was radiant and contagious, leading many to Christ through her words and witness. Joyce was a steadfast pillar of her community, whose leadership and vision left an enduring mark on Teaneck and beyond. She served as President of the Beaumont Avenue Block Association and was an active member of the Northeast Teaneck Block Presidents Association, where she championed collaboration and positive change. She was also a member of the Enslaved African Memorial Committee, dedicated to honoring the legacy of enslaved Africans who helped build Northern New Jersey. As Chairperson of the Teaneck Road-Business-Community Alliance (TRBCA), Joyce advocated for local merchants and residents, working closely with government leaders to promote economic advancement. She was also instrumental in revitalizing Teaneck Road through the Streetscape initiative, breathing new life into the town’s appearance and spirit. Her tireless service was recognized with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition as a “Hometown Hero” by U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer, honoring her commitment to community and excellence in leadership. She later received the Legacy Volunteer Award from Rev. Dr. David Ireland for over 20 years of servant leadership at Christ Church in Montclair, NJ, where she and Robert were ordained as Deacons and later as Chaplains. They were life group leaders and marriage builders at Christ Church. Their home life group ministry continued to be a source of healing, worship, and fellowship for individuals, couples, and families. Joyce retired in 2010 after a distinguished career teaching children with disabilities. Her daily prayer was, “Be Glorified in me, Lord God,” and her life was a living testimony to that prayer. She is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, Robert Giddens; her daughters Michelle Squitieri, Stefanie Giddens, Tiffany Byrd; her son Rodney Giddens; and her grandchildren Gabriella Gonzalez, Giovanni, Angelica, Marcus and Olivia Squitieri, Jared and Brianna Byrd, Nathaniel Giddens, Alyssa Lang, and Deandre Brown and one Great grand-child Cairo Ortiz. She is also survived by her sons-in-law Michael Squitieri and Robert Byrd, daughter-in-law Mary Giddens, brother-in-law Harry Lyons, grandson-in-law Juan Gonzalez, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, their families, and many cherished friends and spiritual children. Joyce was predeceased by her siblings Louise Johns, Catherine Lyons, and William Watkins. A repast will be held by The Giddens Family on Friday October 24, 2025 from 2:30pm-6pm EST at 201 Degraw Avenue, Teaneck, NJ

Joyce Lorraine Giddens

January 13, 1943 - October 8, 2025