Joyce Levias

Life began for Joyce on September 25, 1941 in New Bedford, Massachusetts. She was born from the union of the late Doris Cleone Joseph and the late Henry "Bim" Houtman. She graduated from Bristol Community College, Southeastern Massachusetts University (now U Mass Dartmouth) and received her Masters of Public Administration from Golden Gate University. Joyce became a flight attendant for United Airlines in 1973 where she met her husband Lt Col (retired) Ray Levias. They were married 49 years.

Joyce was a lovely person whose smile lit up every room she entered. Joyce served as a flight attendant for over 30 years. During her first year of flying she met and married her husband Ray and followed him throughout his Air Force career. Joyce loved travelling. She lived in Germany and spent a great deal of time in Italy while also commuting back to the US for work. Joyce was known for her tenacity and fighting for those who needed her strength. She was instrumental in ensuring that flight attendants medical records remained private and that flight attendant weight standards were reasonable. Joyce was a member of Bethel AME Church of New Bedford, Massachusetts and a past Worthy Matron of J.W. Hood Chapter #12 Order of the Eastern Star of New Bedford. Joyce was preceded in death by her daughter, Cheryl Lynn Willis. In addition to her husband, she leaves behind her son, William 'Tracy' Leary and granddaughter, Taaureane Paquette (Jonathan) in New Bedford, Massachusetts, stepsons Sean Levias (DeAndrea), and Sheldon Levias (Lucia) Seattle, Washington. She also leaves behind her sister Gloria H. Hill and nieces Melanie Hill-Irby and great niece Oliviia Irby of Columbia Maryland and nephew Jason H. Hill (Lauren) and great niece Arden and great nephew Sebastian of New Bedford, Massachusetts and brother in law Gary Levias, of Seattle Washington. Joyce will be fondly remembered by her several step grandchildren and great grandchildren and a host of wonderful family, friends, and loved ones.

Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 12th at 1 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, Massachusetts. Her family will receive guests from 12-1 PM prior to the funeral. A celebration of life in Ashburn VA and burial at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the charity of your choice.

"Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die"
Mary Elizabeth Frye