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Staff Sergeant Joyce Hagan Williams

A young African American woman wearing a U.S. Air Force uniform.
  • Unit: 1401st Support Squadron
  • Date of Birth: February 5, 1932
  • Date of Death: December 7, 2021
  • Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
  • Place of Death: Phoenix, Arizona
  • Award(s): National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal
  • Cemetery: Section J6, Row C, Site 89. National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona
Contributed by Angel McGonigle, Fabian Melton, Rebeca Villalobos Aldaz
Mentored by Mrs. Annie Shanahan
Maryvale High School
2024/2025

Early Life

Joyce Hagan Williams was born on February 5, 1932. She was one of 11 children born to Georgia Bernice Hagan and John Hagan in Louisville, Kentucky.

Williams was a Black woman born into a southern household that faced economic challenges. Despite these difficulties, her family persevered through hardships to make ends meet. Her father worked at the railroad, and her mother sewed the family’s clothing. A studious child, Hagan was the valedictorian of her junior high school and graduated from Central High School in 1950.

The Hagan family in Louisville, Kentucky, c.1950. Courtesy of Linda Williams.
Hagan’s graduation photo from Central High School, June 1950. Courtesy of Linda Williams.

Homefront

During World War II, Louisville was a hub for agricultural products and a key center for producing neoprene, a synthetic rubber. In 1941, the Louisville Works, owned by the DuPont Corporation, began making rubber for wartime use. The plant was reactivated during the Korean War and was subsequently sold to Rohm and Haas in 1960. 

In a time of strict segregation in education, organizations such as the Kentucky Negro Education Association pushed for better post-secondary opportunities for African American students.

Women’s organizations were active in Kentucky, promoting political, social, and economic causes.

In this article, the Kentucky Negro Education Association advocates for better post-secondary opportunities for African American students in Kentucky, April 21, 1940. The Park City Daily News.
This article details the various women’s organizations active in Paducah, Kentucky, February 17, 1946. The Paducah Sun.

Military Experience

Joyce Hagan’s financial struggles, desire for travel, and family tradition prompted her to enlist in the newly desegregated U.S Air Force on October 22, 1951. She trained at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi from February 1952 to July 1952 and was then stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming from September 1952 to November 1952. She served with the 1401st Support Squadron at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, possibly working in the field of military intelligence. She rose to the rank of staff sergeant. 

While stationed at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, she met Clarence Williams. They married on April 9, 1955.

Joyce Hagan Williams was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force on October 21, 1955.

Joyce Hagan Williams’s U.S. Air Force photograph, c.1952. Find a Grave.
Joyce Hagan and other women in the Air Force pose for a photograph at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, 1952. Courtesy of Linda Williams.
Joyce Hagan and Clarence Williams married at Andrews Air Force Base on April 9, 1955. Courtesy of Linda Williams.

Veteran Experience

Joyce Williams continued serving as a military spouse throughout Europe and the United States, giving birth to three children: Kendra, Linda, and Robert.

After giving birth to her children, Williams earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Framingham State University. Relocating multiple times with her family, they finally settled in Phoenix, Arizona. After moving to Arizona, Joyce earned a Master of Arts degree at Arizona State University. 

Williams became a teacher and taught at three Phoenix high schools: Trevor Browne High School, East High School, and South Mountain High School, before retiring in 1995. She upheld professionalism and a commitment to education throughout her career, shaping young minds to communicate and grow. She was deeply involved in the community as a founding member of the Black Theater Troupe, working diligently to showcase Black voices and pride.

Joyce Williams was not only a dedicated professional but was also the heart and soul of her family. As the family matriarch, she was deeply devoted to her children and grandchildren, supporting their dreams and career aspirations. She exemplified Black excellence and achievement, inspiring her family to strive for greatness.

She was an excellent cook and was famous for her macaroni and cheese, a cherished recipe she lovingly passed down to her grandchildren. Her home was a place of warmth and encouragement, where she nurtured her family’s ambitions and celebrated their achievements.

The Williams family while stationed at Wiesbaden Air Force Base in Germany, 1964. Courtesy of Linda Williams.
The Williams family in 1974. Clarence and Joyce (in front) are pictured with their children Linda, Robert, and Kendra. Courtesy of Linda Williams.
Joyce Williams spending Christmas with two of her grandchildren, December 2010. Courtesy of Linda Williams.

Commemoration

Williams’ life was defined by her love of travel, her dedication to education, discipline, and service. She “lived a life of grace and grit,” as her daughter Linda said. Her legacy serves as a symbol and beacon of Black excellence, motherhood, and invaluable service to our country. 

Joyce Hagan Williams died on December 7, 2021, at 89. She rests at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, Arizona.

Joyce Hagan Williams’s marker at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, Arizona, February 25, 2025. Courtesy of Annie Shanahan.
Students gather with the family members of Joyce Williams at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, Arizona, February 25, 2025. Courtesy of Annie Shanahan.

Bibliography

Primary Sources

Clarence Williams. Birth Index, 1848-1878, 1901-1929. https://www.ancestryclassroom.com. 

Clarence Williams. Obituary Index, 1800s-2024. https://www.ancestryclassroom.com

“Four Simpsons Teachers Are Honored.” The Park City Daily News [Bowling Green, KY], April 22, 1947. Newspapers.com (1017602990). 

Joyce C Hagan. Public Records Index, 1950-1993. https://www.ancestryclassroom.com

Joyce Williams, DD-214, Department of the Army. National Archives and Records Administration – St. Louis.

“Joyce Hagan Williams.” AZcentral, December 17, 2021. https://www.azcentral.com/obituaries/par055634

Kentucky. Jefferson County. 1940 U.S. Census. Digital images. https://www.ancestryclassroom.com/.

Kentucky. Jefferson County. 1950 U.S. Census. Digital images. https://www.ancestryclassroom.com/.

“Negroes Ask To Court If Necessary, To Force Higher Pay For Teachers.” The Park City Daily News [Bowling Green, KY] April 21, 1940. Newspapers.com (1017610659).  

Trimble, Peggy. “‘Let Women Do The Work’ Can Be Applied To Paducah’s Women’s Organizations And They Are Doing A Good Job Of It.” The Paducah Sun [Paducah, KY], February 17, 1946. Newspapers.com (502420455). 

Williams Family Photographs. Courtesy of Linda Williams.

Williams, Linda. Facebook Messenger exchange. December 8, 2024. 

Williams, Linda. Zoom interview. February 5, 2025.

Secondary Sources

Bruggers, James. “DuPont, Dow plants have deep Louisville roots.” The Courier-Journal [Lexington, KY], December 11, 2015. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/tech/science/environment/2015/12/11/dupont-dow-plants-have-deep-louisville-roots/77152658/. 

“Fox 10 Says Goodbye to Linda Williams.” FOX 10 Phoenix, January 1, 2024. https://www.fox10phoenix.com/video/1388916. 

“Joyce C. Williams.” Veterans Legacy Memorial, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Accessed April 22, 2025. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/235824054/joyce-c-williams. 

“Joyce Hagan Williams.” Find a Grave. Updated January 11, 2022. Accessed December 19, 2024. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/235824054/joyce-c-williams. 

Kentucky Agriculture & Natural Resource Map. Map. Kentucky Agriculture & Environment in the Classroom. https://www.teachkyag.org/lessons/kentucky-agriculture-and-forest-map. 

“Kentucky History at A Glance.” Kentucky Historical Society. Accessed April 22, 2025. https://history.ky.gov/kentucky-history-at-a-glance.

This profile was funded by a grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.