Joyce was born in Chicago, Illinois to the union of James Macklin and Odessa Wilson. Joyce married Earl Robinson and to this union, were born two children – Augustus Robinson and Carol Linda Robinson. This union ended in divorce. In 1962, she married Charles Lopiccola and together, they raised Butch and Carol into adulthood. Charles worked for the City of Chicago, Joyce for the United States Postal Service.

Butch and Carol after college (Butch – Virginia Union University; Carol – University of Illinois, Chicago) proudly served in the United States Military (Butch – Marines; Carol – US Army). Both were stationed in Southern California, where Carol remained after discharge.

In 1985, Charles and Joyce Lopiccola relocated to California. Joyce then worked for City of San Francisco Housing Authority as a Resident Housing Administrator.

Charles preceded Joyce in death on February 5, 2021. She was also preceded by her parents, her brother (James Macklin, Jr.), her sister (Adrina Taylor), her son (Augustus "Butch"), and her grandson (Augustus 'Gus' Jr.).

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Carol (Ali), daughter-in-law Patricia, her sister (Thelma McDermott); 4 grandchildren, Charles (Laura), Adrian, Camille (David) and her special adopted grandson, Michael; 5 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces/nephews, cousins, friends, and special people.

Joyce was a proud member of The Daughters of The Eastern Star. She will be truly missed, but she is leaving a legacy of unconditional love.