Joycelyn Diane (Toney) Peters, affectionately known as “Tanty”, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 20, 2021.

She was born on December 11, 1942 in Guaico, Sangre Grande, Trinidad and Tobago to Jonas Toney and Josephine Dick. Joycelyn was the youngest of six children. In July 1969, she wed the late Egbert Peters in a mini dress, so telling of her daring defiance of all things boring.

Joycelyn migrated to Florida from Trinidad and Tobago in the 1960’s. She later moved to Brooklyn, New York and eventually settled in Boston, Massachusetts. She attended the College of Staten Island. For many years, Joycelyn worked in the neck wear industry and came to own a boutique in New York and then in Boston.

Joycelyn, the life of the party and self-proclaimed best dressed, was not one to miss a good fete. Quite the comedian, quick-witted with a sharp tongue, she uplifted spirits in seconds with endless jokes and playful jabs. She always had a vivid story to tell of life back home or her winning streak at Foxwoods or the last person she had to set straight. She was a fierce protector of home and family, doting on her nieces and nephews and their children. She had a particular soft spot and unwavering affection for Adam, the apple of her eye. Though she didn’t have children of her own, she mothered so many people carefully and thoughtfully. For Ruthella and Rachelanne, she was an extra special mother figure, support system, rock, leader, and champion. She played a significant role in raising and spoiling Francisco, Dkembe, Sarah, and Adam, who cherished her deeply as the grandmother figure she was for them.

Joycelyn is survived by her brother, Harold Toney and her sister, Evelyn Guerra, her beloved nieces, Rheba, Rachelanne, and Ruthella Logan, Lynette, Monica St. Clair, Joycelyn and Eastlyn Toney; Rhona Rubin; Elizabeth Belfon, Kathleen Olivier, Juliana, Laverne, Patricia, and Marva Guerra; Joanna Joseph. She is also survived by her beloved nephews, Rawle and Robert Logan, Keith and Winston St. Clair, Sheldon Roberts, Ian Stern, and Chet Toney, Richard, James, Kerwin, David, Ronnie and Tyrone Guerra & Neil Nerahoo Ainsley Garcia, her cousins Vicky Woods and Thora Cummings, long time friends Gloria Mcculler, Bruce Boyce and Delma Bennet. She left behind many family members and friends and godchildren and a long list of people she loved deeply.

Joycelyn is preceded in death by parents, Jonas Toney and Josephine Dick, brother Wilfred St. Clair, her sisters, Emelcia Nelson-Toney, and Enid Toney. Her nieces, Beverly Felmine, Grace Guerra and Judy Thompson, her nephews Rodell and Marc Logan, Henry “Boyo” St. Clair, Alwin Toney, Fabian and Kenton Toney.

Though she transitioned to a more peaceful place, her infectious spirit and vivacious nature remain inside of all of us. She reminds us to laugh a little louder and longer, to love harder, to live without boundary or limitation. We are more brilliant now that she shines from within us.

Visitation at Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, Monday, January 25, 9-10 AM. Relatives and friends invited. Funeral service and interment private.