Joyce Miriam Carter

1931 – 2024
Joyce Miriam Carter was the middle daughter of Richard “Dick” E. Viator and Rose A. Viator. She was born on July 22, 1931, in Gloucester, MA where she lived for the first 33 years of her life. If things ever got tough, Joyce loved to shake her finger and remind everyone “I can do it! I’m part Tognazzi”, which was the last name of her maternal grandparents. Joyce passed away at age 93 on November 26, 2024, in Edmond, OK.
Joyce was married to John A. “Jack” Carter for 48 years, until his passing in October 2013. Joyce met Jack through her childhood best friend, Ann, who happened to be Jack’s sister. Although they lost contact for several years, Jack and Joyce reconnected and were married in a double wedding with Joyce’s younger sister, Carol and her husband Kenny. With Jack having a military career, in their early years together they moved every few years and lived in several states, including Bermuda. Joyce and Jack raised three children, Jay, Jolie, and Jason, who are their pride and joy.
Joyce and Jack loved the water, always taking their children to a coastal state or local lake for vacations or weekend trips. They enjoyed sailing and owned a 30 ft. sailboat docked at Lake Texoma, lovingly christened “At Last”. Their OKC home where they raised their children was destroyed in the May 1999 tornado, with Joyce, Jack, Jesse (Husky dog), daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters in the hallway. Joyce had just had knee replacement surgery and was carried out of the rubble by their neighbors. They soon built a new home within a mile of their original home, loving its proximity to Tinker Air Force Base and their long-time memories. Raised on the East Coast, Joyce was a lifelong fan of the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox, and never gave up her strong East Coast accent.
Joyce worked for many years in Boston, taking the train from Gloucester into the city. When she and Jack relocated permanently to OKC, Joyce worked as a bookkeeper for Cudd Pressure Control, Drabek and Hill, and the State of Oklahoma, where she retired in 2002.
Joyce was a voracious reader (spy novels being a favorite), enjoyed all types of crafts and jigsaw puzzles, loved shopping – whether it be for clothes, shoes, bags, antiques, books or unique jewelry — and relished traveling. Her last international trip was to France (her 3rd time there). She had also travelled to Italy and Aruba, lived in Bermuda early in her marriage, and visited over half of the 50 states. In addition to lobster (and lobster spaghetti) and steak, Joyce’s favorite food was dessert – no matter what type. Even a few days before her passing Joyce was enjoying a favorite snack of Jellybeans.
Joyce is survived by her son, John “Jay” Carter and wife, Regina; daughter Jolie Carter and wife Deb; and son Jason Carter, as well as grandchildren Amanda, Keegan, James, Jackson, Dani, Haylie, Kaden, Kelcie, Kimberly, Boston, and great-granddaughter Iris. Joyce is also survived by her sisters Jaclyn (Louie) Dibona of Florida and Carol (Kenny) Westlund of Massachusetts, and a host of nieces and nephews. Joyce will be dearly missed by her family.
The interment for Joyce will be Friday, December 13th at 11:00 a.m. at Fort Sill National Cemetery, where she will be placed with her husband, Jack. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite Veteran’s group or charity.
Jason, our deepest condolences to you, the girls and the entire family. We loved your sweet mama. Such a beautiful lady. Ian and I both are so honored we were able to meet her and share memories. We love you brother. RIP sweet, beautiful mama Joyce