Joyce M. Strong

While it is possible to receive counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the sincerity and honesty of Joyce M. Strong. She had a true talent for helping others, especially her students, reach their full potential. Joyce was quiet and reserved, but her style of communication was authentic and direct. She seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around her, and her sensitivity and generosity made her a wonderful mother, sister, and friend.

From the time she was born on December 15, 1942 in Prentiss, Mississippi, Joyce showed a deep concern for her family. Her parents were Lenora and Percy McNair. She was raised with five siblings: Evelyn, Catherine, Linnie, Ruby, and Carrie Jane. As a young girl, Joyce accepted Christ at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where she developed what would become a lifelong love of music. She was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Choir and spent her spare time singing and playing the piano.

A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Joyce was considered to be a high achiever. In 1960, she graduated from the Prentiss Institute. Thereafter, she enrolled in Jackson State University. Joyce's talents proved to be an asset for her during her college years. She excelled in her classes, especially courses in Liberal Arts which allowed her to build on her creativity and courses in biology which challenged her remarkable retention of knowledge. In 1964, Joyce earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music.

All who knew her would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Joyce was able to bond with her son, Jimmie. Joyce was blessed with five grandchildren, Justina, Jimmie, Jakavius, Madison, and Jazmyn and four great-grandchildren Jeremiah, Braylen, Ashton, and Zidon. Though Joyce had but one biological child, she gained many others through her work as a music teacher. For 28 years, Joyce was employed by the State of Mississippi Department of Education. She worked hard at all times to help mold her students into better singers, pianists, and people.

As an imaginative and inventive person, Joyce was comfortable showing her creative spirit, and she continued to do so after retirement as a director and pianist for numerous church choirs. Joyce received many accolades for varied efforts in music. She was regarded as one of the best gospel vocalists, pianists, directors, and educators of her time. In addition to continuing to nurture her passion for music, Joyce made the most of retirement by relocating to Las Vegas to be closer to the apple of her eye, son Jimmie. Along with her son, Joyce is survived by her five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and her sisters, Ruby and Linnie.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Northwest Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.