Ms. Joyce Marie Watlington, also known as "Ms. Diva", was the daughter of Mae Sue Watlington Spinks and Henry Spinks. She departed her life on August 5, 2018 at her residence.  She was born in Caswell County, NC and spent the majority of her life in Forsyth County.  She was a graduate of Parkland High School Class of 1973.  She attended Forsyth Technical Community College to study Data Entry Processing.

"Ms. Diva" loved to cook, sing, dance, and most all she was an intelligent down to earth, kindhearted, and loving person.  Diva was the life of the party, but most of all she loved her children, grandchildren, and was always willing to help others.

Joyce loved the Lord. She was a member of New Gospel Tabernacle Holiness Church in Winston-Salem, NC.  She attended Sunday school and served in any capacity needed at the Church.  She will be dearly missed by all that loved her.

In addition to his parents she was preceded in death by her son, DeMario Watlington; three brothers, Jimmy D. Watlington, Micheal Wayne Spinks, and Melvin Curtis Spinks; and five sisters, Mary Sowell, Eloise Wright, Fannie Bigelow, Frances Watlington, and Betty Glenda Watlington.

Those left to cherish her memories are three daughters, Demetris Watlington, Dante' Watlington, and De'Coya Watlington all of W-S, NC; three sons, Darrius Pauling, Sr. and DeMarcus Watlington both of Charlotte, NC, and DeRaie Watlington; eight grandchildren,  Shaquita Watlington, Kevin Taylor, Johntae Watlington, Karter Watlington, DeMarcus Watlington, Jr., Darrius Pauling, Jr., Ramani Pauling, and Anyla Pauling; one great-grandson, Noah Watlington; seven sisters, Grace Richardson of Kernersville, NC, Carolyn Bigelow of Mebane, NC, Peggy Atwater, Virginia (Junior) Miles, Joann Watlington Brown, and Jewel Stanfield all of Burlington, NC, and Willie Sue Watlington of Eden, NC; five brothers, Charles (Shirley) Spinks of Stoney Creek, NC, Rueben Watlington, Sherman Watlington, Larry Watlington, and Aaron Watlington all of W-S, NC; a devoted friend, Charles Green of W-S, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Saturday, August 11, 2018 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Cole officiating and Pastor Johnny Johnson eulogist. The family visitation will be held from 10:00am until 11:00am on Saturday at the Chapel