Joyce "Joy" Rozier

Joyce Rozier ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Forrest Funeral Home - Hattiesburg on Mar. 16, 2026.Joy Napier Rozier, age 85, of the Sunrise community in Petal, Mississippi, passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer. It is with deep sadness that her family announces her passing, while also celebrating a life filled with love, creativity, generosity, and devotion to others.Joy was born in Seminary, Mississippi, to the late L.B. Napier and Mary Bell Napier. She was preceded in death by her beloved siblings, Allene Hockstein and Leonard Napier. The Napier family roots ran deep in the Petal community, and Joy carried that strong sense of family, loyalty, and connection throughout her life.She is lovingly remembered by her three daughters, Angie Butler, Jonna Napier Butler, and Kristie Story, who were the center of her world and the proud legacy of her life. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Collin Butler, Brandon Butler, Logan Webster, and Carter Crosby.Early in her career, Joy owned and operated her own beauty business and worked as a cosmetologist during a time when beauty salons were vibrant gathering places for women in the community. Clients visited weekly not only for their hair but also for conversation, laughter, and friendship. Joy had a natural gift for connecting with people, and her salon chair often became a place of encouragement and storytelling. Her artistic and creative spirit shone through her work-whether styling hair or painting, especially her beloved magnolias, capturing their timeless beauty on canvas.After 25 years in cosmetology, Joy followed another calling of her heart-working with children, which allowed her nurturing nature to truly shine. She returned to school and earned an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Joy had a lifelong passion for helping and caring for children. In addition to raising her three daughters, she opened her home to foster and adopt children, always believing that every child deserved love, stability, and someone who believed in them.Joy thrived in a home full of life and activity. She loved having people around her, and her home was often a place where family and friends gathered. She was known as someone who gave freely-of her heart, her time, her energy, and her home. Helping others came naturally to her, and she did so with a spirit that was both generous and joyful.Those who knew Joy will always remember her larger-than-life personality. She had a vibrant, charismatic presence that could light up any room. She loved to laugh, tell stories, and bring people together. Her bond with her sister, Allene, was especially memorable. The two were known as a dynamic duo-full of life, humor, and mischief. One of Joy's favorite stories to tell was how she and Allene once went down a hill in a car when the brakes failed, both hanging out the windows, waving, and shouting for people to get out of the way. That fearless, playful energy and her charm made it impossible not to smile whenever she was around.Joy's life was defined by her love for people, her creativity, and her unwavering generosity. She leaves behind a legacy in her daughters and in the many children she cared for, the friends she encouraged, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness and spirit. Her warmth, laughter, and giving heart will be remembered always.A celebration of Joy's life will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. All who knew and loved Joy are invited to attend, share memories, and honor her remarkable life.Her life was a testament to love, resilience, creativity, and the power of a generous spirit.Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go ." - Joshua 1:9To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.