Alber Joy Jones

Alber Joy Colty Jones was born into this world on March 18, 1936 as the middle daughter of the late Harry Colty and dearly departed Carrie Belle Henderson Colty. Her beloved elder sister, the late Carrie E. Joiner, passed away in Wilmington, North Carolina in 2011. Her adored younger sister, Marva Colty Heyward, died in 2020.

Despite growing up in the Jim Crow segregation of the South, Alber Joy and her sisters were taught the value of family, learning, laughter, perseverance, community service, and justice, which they worked to instill in their own children. Alber Joy attended Robert Smalls School, where she was a straight-A student. Upon graduation from Robert Smalls School, she attended South Carolina State College, (now South Carolina State University) in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Despite the rigors of her studies as a mathematics major, Alber Joy was very involved in campus life. She showed signs of interest in civil rights, community engagement, and social justice early as a student risking expulsion to sit in a local lunch counter in defiance of Jim Crow segregation. During college, her dedication to community service drew her to Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority and she pledged Beta Sigma Chapter at South Carolina State, starting her life-long relationship with AKA. She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics.

Upon her graduation from South Carolina State, Alber Joy began her career as a math teacher on St. Helena Island, South Carolina. While she was teaching, she met a handsome, charming man, the late Steven J. Jones. They married in 1958 and moved to New York City. As the young couple planned for their future, Alber Joy’s thirst for knowledge continued. She attended the prestigious Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and received a certificate in Occupational Therapy. Upon graduation, she began to practice as an occupational therapist at Brooklyn State Hospital (now known as Kingsboro Psychiatric Center).

During this time, Alber Joy and Steven had two daughters that they adored - Karen and Kimberly. Alber Joy lavished love, care, affection and essential life lessons on her daughters until her last breath. To be a hands-on mom, she sought out a new career that would allow her to spend more time with her children. So, she returned to school to earn a M.A. in education from the City University of New York (CUNY) - Queens College.

The family moved to Long Island, New York, where Alber Joy, along with her sister, Marva, were a part of a wave of African American educators integrating Suffolk County public schools, and began her 32-year career as a guidance counselor at Central Islip High School. Thousands of students benefited from her skill and commitment. As a guidance counselor, she was known for her care and concern. But she was never afraid to dispense “tough love” in her effort to help a student achieve their potential. For Alber Joy, teaching was an avocation and everyone benefited. She also was an instructor for the Adult Education program for Central Islip, a program she ran for several years.

Alber Joy served the community in other ways as well. She was a member of a number of organizations on Long Island exemplifying her commitment to others. Her love for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority never diminished. She was a long-time member of the Theta Iota Omega chapter, as well as a charter member of Sigma Psi Omega chapter, holding offices in both. She also belonged to the National Coaltion of 100 Black Women (NCBW), Negro Business and Professional Women, and the Lions Club. She always answered the call to serve the community when asked.

In 2005, former County Executive Steve Levy recognized Alber Joy during Black History Month for all of her accomplishments and contributions to Suffolk County.

Alber Joy Jones passed away on February 5, 2022 surrounded by her daughters and their love for her. She is survived by her daughters, Karen E. Jones, M. Ed. and Kimberly S. Jones, Esq., MPA, and many nieces, nephews, and loving friends.

Beloved wife of the late Steven J. Loving mother of Karen Jones and Kimberly Jones. Cherished sister of the late Carrie Joiner and the late Marva Colty Heyward. Alber Joy is also survived by many more loving family and friends.

A visitation for Alber Joy will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 from 4-8 PM. Prayer service Wednesday evening at 7 PM. Cremation Private.

For those interested, in lieu of flowers donations be made to either the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.obdavisportjefferson.com for the Jones family.