Joyce Ann (Metze) McLeod was born on Friday, October 24, 1947, in Irmo, SC. She was the eldest of three children born to Bessie Clyde (Metze) and Frank Martin. Early in life, Joyce joined Pleasant Springs A.M.E. Church in Columbia, SC, and was a member of the Youth Choir and Sunday School Class. After graduating from Richlex School in Irmo, SC, she attended Voorhees College and later transferred to Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she graduated from in 1970 earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She accepted her first teaching position in the Putnam County School District in Palatka. It was in Palatka where she met Jimmie Warren McLeod, a Navy Petty Officer 1st Class, Culinary Specialist. In 1971, after a short courtship, they were married at her home church, Pleasant Springs of Columbia, SC, and returned to employment in Palatka. To this union, two sons were born, Jamie and Jason. In 1970, Joyce's employment started at Mellon Elementary School as a Kindergarten teacher for four years. In 1973, due to a Navy Duty Station change of her husband, they relocated to Bermuda Island where she continued to teach in the Primary Grades for three years. The family then returned to Palatka, and she spent the next 30 years at Mellon Elementary until her retirement in 2009. Joyce's love and interest in her students' well-being and development was truly remarkable. She frequently used personal resources to ensure that teaching aids were always available and relevant to her students and class. In addition to her employment, she was a member of many local organizations. To name a few, she was inducted into Pi Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., in 1989 and later became a charter member of the Chi Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She became a Silver Star member after serving over 25 years, and in 2022, she received her Life Membership status and Charter Membership pin. She served as Assistant Treasurer for the past two years for Chi Delta Omega until her health declined. Joyce was also a loyal and dedicated member of St. Johns-Putnam-Flagler Chapter of The Charmettes, Inc., where she held the office of secretary, assistant secretary, and chaplain. In 2021, she received her 35-year pin at the National Convention for continued loyalty and dedication to her local and national chapters. Through the years, she was actively involved in the African-American Cultural Arts Committee of Palatka and the local and national Bethune-Cookman University Alumni Association.

Upon returning to Palatka, Joyce joined Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church where she faithfully served in numerous ministries over the years. She served as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, and Youth/Young Adult Ministry Leader. She later served as a member of the Senior Choir, Usher and Trustee Ministries, Ministers' Council, Decorations Committee, and even as the church seamstress.

After combating an extended illness, Joyce peacefully entered the sunset of life at the age of 75, on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center in Palatka. Joyce was preceded in eternal rest by her mother, Bessie C. (Metze) Medlin; stepfather, Frank Martin; brother, Gorden Metze, Sr.; and husband, Jimmy McLeod, who passed in April of 2015.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her sons, Jamie McLeod, Jason Mcleod, and Emanuel Feggins, all of Palatka; sister, Sarah (James) Washington of Columbia, SC; sister-in-law, Kathy (David) Brock of Orlando; seven grandchildren, Brooklyn McLeod, Jason McLeod, Jr., J'aime McLeod, Jimmie McLeod, Shaintalise McLeod, Jacob McLeod, and Jayden McLeod; one great-grandchild, Malachi McLeod; mothers of grandchildren: confidant, Amanda Lusk; friend, Stephanie Clayton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, co-workers, classmates, and special friends, including James and D'Arcy Miller and family and the entire Mt. Tabor Church family.

Joyce was a God-fearing woman who had a tough-minded spirit, tempered with optimism, kindness, and wisdom. We can all take heed from her philosophy: "You can't learn if you don't try, and when you have done your best, there is no such thing as a failure." The love she had for her family, friends, and students remain alive and fruitful. She truly believed when you light another candle, your candle will not lose any of its light. She was a candle lighter in her students, friends, and family. Her light continues to shine in them and through them.