Joyce Cecilia Noel

Joyce Cecilia Noel was a precious gift to her adopted parents Carlton (Papa) and Veronica Gilkes (Mama). She was born on the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago on October 27th, 1941. Joyce always acknowledged and loved her two moms, Ms. V or Mama as she was lovingly called, and Tanty Daisy, her birth mother. Although adopted, Joyce grew to know her siblings, Desmond Grant, deceased; Michael Grant, and Venus Wallace, deceased. To have known Joyce was to be loved by Joyce. Joyce was an extraordinary woman. She dedicated her life to caring for others and was empowered through her strong unwavering faith in God. Whether it be through her cooking, poetry, jokes, or prayers, Joyce had a gift for soothing the souls of everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. Joyce met her husband Addison Noel in 1967. He was struck by her beauty and kindness. Together, they welcomed the children from their previous marriages Glenda Noel-Ney and Astrud “Trudy” Burnett. Together, they birth Andrea Noel, deceased; Bernard Noel; Marcus Noel, and Matthew Noel. Joyce’s desire to help others was exemplified through her life’s work. She was a servant/leader in the truest sense. After moving to New York from Trinidad, Joyce worked as a nurse’s aide at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. After many years, she followed her dream and opened three popular Caribbean restaurants in Brooklyn, Joyce’s Café, Joyce’s Café on Utica Avenue, and JayB’s on Nostrand Avenue where she filled the bellies and hearts of all who stopped inside for her famous Roti and specialty home-made Caribbean drinks. Joyce and Addy retired to Kissimmee, FL where they built solid friendships and community. She was known for her powerful prayers, and her love of singing. She built community through the gospel and was known for taking time to look in on her elderly neighbors, brush their hair, shave them, and wash their feet. When she visited, she often brought her homemade carrot cupcakes. In later years, Joyce was visited with Alzheimer’s. It never stopped her joy or praying spirit. Matthew and his wife Jennifer, and their children, Mathis, Micah Mae, and Malachi, will always remember the laughter, hugs, and stories of their grandmother. Bernard and his wife Miracle will remember her encouragement and support. Bernard’s children Breon Johnson deceased; Jazmine Simpson, and Nashawn Noel will miss her prayers, gentle scolding, and support. Her daughter, Glenda, husband Willie Ney, and grandson Pierce C. Doyle will miss her voice, her smile, her poetry, and with every member of the family, her uncompromising love. Andrea’s children Shannon and Andreas will miss the love, caring, advice, and voice of their grandmother. Family members Adrienne and Anais Noel, Charlene Blache, Kenty and Sonja Noel, Debbie Noel and her son Richard, Alpert Blache, Andre, Kerry, and Samuel Noel, will remember her walk with the Lord, and how much she loved her Addy! Her many friends, too many to list, will remember a friend! Maribel Mercado, Lisa Best, Dorothy Henry, Ms. Jean, Donna, Greg, and so many friends, are proud of Joyce, and excited about her journey with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Noel Family is saddened to acknowledge the passing of matriarch Joyce Cecilia Noel. Beautiful and loving wife of Addison M. Noel, mother of Glenda Noel-Ney, Bernard Noel, Marcus Noel, and Matthew Noel. Gone too soon, daughter Andrea Noel, brother Desmond Grant, sister Venus Wallace, and grandson Bren Johnson. A Christian first, chef, poet, restauranteur, and friend, she will be missed by her community. Her grandchildren Pierce Doyle, Andreas, Matthis, Malachi, Micah Mae, Nashawn, and Shannon Noel, also Jazmine Simpson, and stepdaughter Astrud "Trudy" Burnett will miss her dearly. Her daughters-in-law Jenniter and Miracle Noel, and son-in-law Willie Ney will remember heartfelt talks, warm hugs, and laughter.

Tributes

Joyce Cecilia Noel

October 27, 1941 - May 15, 2023