God called His faithful servant, Royce D. Warren, 76, of Quincy, IL, from labor to reward at 4:30 pm on Friday, February 14, 2020, at Blessing Hospital surrounded by family.

Our beloved Royce was born May 20, 1943, in Quincy, Illinois, to the late Clara Louise (Douglas) and Roy L. Watson. Royce received Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and the church remained an integral part of her life.

Royce was educated in the Quincy Public School system and graduated from Quincy Senior High School. After graduation, Royce received instruction in secretarial duties, word processing, and office procedures at Gem City College.

Royce was the consummate professional and believed in hard work. Her early jobs included being a Candy Striper at Blessing Hospital and later as a secretary at Colt Quincy Compressor. When she moved to Chicago, she had various Executive Assistant positions at: Chemetron Railway International and The Family Institute. Even when she ‘retired’ and moved back home to Quincy, she continued working and loved her position at Bergner’s Department Store. Her last position of employment was as an Office Administrator at The Harvest Hills Retirement Center.

Royce was a faithful member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. She served as the President of the Usher Board, a member of the Trustee Board, and also served as the Quarterly Conference Secretary. Royce loved attending Sunday School. When she became homebound and unable to attend, she continued to participate by calling in to listen and contribute to the lessons.

Royce had a zeal for life. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her friends, going to Washington Park to hear the Blues, reading, listening to NPR, completing crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles. She loved to travel and even found the Senior Day Trips enjoyable. She loved her independence and living alone yet could not live without her two cats, Precious and Chardonnay, who she referred to as her “daughters”.

Royce was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Clara Watson; two sisters Marie Pleasant and Shirley Milsap, one brother Charles Lee Watson, one grandchild, Whitney Smith and one great-grandchild, Chance Bailey.

Royce leaves to cherish her memory her brother, Robert Norris Watson; four daughters: CharRoy Minor, Shirley Genel Burton, Adrian (Maurice) Johnson, and Ericka (James) Bailey; 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The Celebration of Life service will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2020 at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Visitation will be at 12:00 noon. Rev. Carl Terry will Officiate, and Rev. James Bailey will provide the Eulogy. Interment will be at Greenmount Cemetery.