Mae Joyce Watson Wagner

Mae Joyce Watson Wagner, passed away on March 21, 2025, in Greenville, SC, at the age of 93. Born on February 18, 1932, in Enoree, SC, she was a beacon of love and wisdom to all who knew her. Mae Joyce was the daughter of the late Nannie Eunice Miles Watson and Paul Elijah Watson, and she carried their legacy of kindness throughout her life. She was a Southern lady in the truest sense of the word.

Mae Joyce was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Grantland Paul Wagner, and a loving mother to her children, Paula Wagner Gay (Frank), Grantland Paul Wagner II (Daphne), and Charles Von Wagner (Na). Her family was the cornerstone of her life, and she took immense joy in watching it grow to include her adored grandchildren Mae Joyce Kettler (Dan), Paula Frances Price (Greg), Elizabeth Grant Spade (Matthew), Alexis Wagner (fiancé Davis Smith), Ashely Wagner, Grantland Wagner III, Allie Nguyen (Dang), Charles Wagner, and Clay Wagner. Mae Joyce's heart swelled with pride for her great-grandchildren Harper Price, Augie Kettler, Asher Price, Calvin Kettler, Jackson Spade, Millie Kettler, Poppy Nguyen, Emma Spade, Charlotte Spade, Adler Nguyen, and Arlo Nguyen.

Mae Joyce was a woman of profound intelligence and faith. She pursued her passion for education at Converse College in Spartanburg, SC, where she earned a Master's of Education. Her career as a teacher was marked by her dedication to her students. She particularly enjoyed teaching special education in the last two schools, Hillcrest High School and Hillcrest Middle School. Mae Joyce's influence extended beyond the classroom as she was an active member of her community, always willing to lend a hand or share her wisdom.

Her interests were as rich and varied as her character. Mae Joyce's favorite memories were of family vacations and holidays spent with her children and grandchildren, moments that were cherished and will be remembered fondly. She was an avid bridge player, enjoying the camaraderie and challenge of the game with her close circle of friends. Mae Joyce's adventurous spirit shone through in the 1970s and 1980s when she and her family lived in Saudi Arabia.

Those who knew Mae Joyce would describe her as loving, intelligent, and faith-filled. She navigated life's challenges with grace and always found strength in her unwavering faith.She was a parishioner at Christ Church Episcopal. Her presence was a source of comfort and inspiration to her family and friends, and her legacy of love and education will continue to influence future generations.

Mae Joyce was predeceased by her parents, her brother Paul Elijah Watson Jr., and her sister Nannie Frances Watson. Her memory will be forever cherished by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those whose lives she touched.

Mae Joyce Watson Wagner lived a life full of purpose and love. Her memory will be held in the hearts of her family and friends as a testament to a life well-lived. She will be deeply missed, but the lessons she imparted and the love she shared will continue to guide and comfort those she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Mae Joyce Wagner, directed to Duke Children’s (Please make checks payable to Duke University and mail to Duke Health Development, Attention: Culver Scales, 300 W. Morgan Street, Suite 1000, Durham, NC 27701. Online gifts can be made at https://www.gifts.duke.edu/dch) or to Women's College Fund, Converse University, 580 E. Main St. Spartanburg, SC 29302.

The memorial is going to be on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 2 o'clock with a reception following the service at Christ Church Episcopal, 10 North Church Street, Greenville, SC 29601.