Joyce A. Gaston

Joyce A. Gaston, a cherished and revered figure in her community, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, in Michigan City, Indiana. 

Joyce A.Gaston aka "Jazzy"was born on December 12, 1947, in Memphis, Tennessee to the union of Elmore and Remel (nee` Lane) Williams.

At an early age, Joyce and her family relocated to Michigan City, Indiana where she attended Elston High School and she later met the love of her life, Napoleon Gaston. The two became one and raised four amazing children, Raymond “Boo”, Ronnie, Rechelle “Neki” and Victoria “Pookum”.
A proud graduate of the public school system, Ms. Gaston's work ethic and generous spirit were at the forefront of her career at the Michigan City Housing Authority. As a Housing Manager until her retirement in 2014, she was a beacon of support, helping numerous families in Michigan City and building lasting relationships throughout the community.
Ms. Gaston's journey through life was marked by her love, kindness and dedication to family and faith, and her meaningful purpose here on earth impacted the lives of many.

Ms. Gaston's legacy lives on through her loving family: her children, Pastor Ronald Gaston of LaPorte, Evangelist Rechelle "Neki" (Elder David) McCray of Michigan City, Victoria Gaston of Lee Summit, and her special son, Daniel McKinney of Michigan City; daughter-in-love Vera Gaston of Michigan City. Her twelve amazing grandchildren: Raymond Gaston Jr, Travis Willis, Maurice Johnson, Dwaine Johnson, Adrian Johnson, Dontrale McCray, Ryan Gaston, Tristan Gaston,  Bri'Ann Gaston, DaVon McCray, Darren McCray, Kori Thomas, Taylor Batchelder and six great-grandchildren: Kyla Tolbert, DaVon McCray Jr, Ky'Aire Gaston, Rayne Gaston, Kamari Brown and Soraiya McCray and Special Grandson Zaire McKinney.
Her special bond with cousins Annette “Annie Cat” Tabor and Georgette Stewart and her close-knit circle of friends, including best friend Marilyn Perteet, Lenda Wilson, Ranetta Head, Wilma Wilson, Annie Jones and Maxine Hawkins, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Ms. Gaston was predeceased by her parents, Elmore and Remel Williams, her son Raymond "Boo" Gaston, her granddaughter Ronesha Gaston, her sister Elma Ree "Rita" Catchings, her grandmother Lizzie Lane, goddaughter, Nicole Roberts, and her best friend, Betty Blackmon.

Ms. Gaston's spiritual devotion was evident in her active church life. She was a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church as well as Advancing Christ's Kingdom Ministries before joining Temple Worship Center, where she was under the leadership of her son, Pastor Ronald Gaston. Her role as Church Mother was a testament to her faith and service, as she embodied the spirit of hospitality that drew so many to her warm embrace.
Her interests extended beyond her professional and religious commitments. Mother Gaston found solace and joy in simple pleasures such as shopping, spending time with her grandbabies, talking on the phone to family and friends and visiting the beach for its serene peace. An avid NBA basketball fan of the Golden State Warrriors. She especially enjoyed watching the games with Ronnie and grandson Ryan via facetime while cheering for her favorite player, Draymond Green, even if she never quite pronounced his name correctly. She also enjoyed watching all the court shows while her and Neki tried to figure out "who's the father"  as well as teaching her granddaughters how to cook or give them pointers and reminding Pookum how to make Thanksgiving Ham every single year lol. Last but not least, scrolling through facebook and commenting on 'everybody's" post.

Kindness was the hallmark of Mother Gaston's character, a trait that she demonstrated consistently throughout her life. Each day she approached with a smile and an open heart, touching the lives of everyone she met with her gentle spirit and unwavering positivity.

Mother Gaston's departure leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her, but her influence remains in a guiding light. Her life was an example of love, service, and joy that will continue to inspire and comfort her family and friends. As they move forward, they carry with them the cherished memories and the profound impact of Mother Joyce A. Gaston's remarkable and irreplaceable life.

A Celebration of Life will take place at 11am, Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church 123 Helen Street, Michigan City, Indiana with her beloved son Pastor Ronald Gaston to give the eulogy. The visitation will be from 5pm to 7pm, Friday, May 23, 2025 at Temple Worship Center Church 5588 Hitchcock Street, Michigan City, Indiana.

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