Joyce Cynthia Alexander was the first child of Lesley and Hilda Sutherland. She spent the first forty years of life in Jamaica and the last fifty in the United States. In both countries, her life was characterized as one of outstanding dedicated service to God, humanity, family and friends. In Jamaica she participated in a Sunday School ministry and, along with her husband Allan, took an active role in a ministry to prisoners. In the United States, she continued her Sunday School teaching ministry and contributed to Christian evangelistic and philanthropic organizations.
Her vocational life also displayed this high level of dedication to social service. After graduating from a commercial college, she worked with the department of Public Works in Jamaica. Eventually she was chosen to be the secretary to the Head of the Department of Prisons for the entire island. In the United States, she served as a legal secretary for twenty five years, at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, in New York City.
Her dedication to God and work were consistently expressed in her love for family. She was a supportive wife and mother. During her husband’s lengthy hospitalization, for instance, she visited him daily for several hours to give him emotional support. She provided loving support for her sons by encouraging them to strive for excellence. One of her favorite statements was, “Good, better, best, never let it rest until your good is better, and your better, best.” Although she played the role of a strict disciplinarian for her sons in their formative years, she proved to be a very caring mother and friend to them in their adult years.
Her sisters and numerous church friends also experienced her loyalty. She was good at listening and even better at talking. Long phone conversations and fervent intercessory prayers confirmed her love for them. Her sisters and friends also helped to provide emotional support for her as she faced several serious health challenges throughout her life. The caring professionals at Solaris Healthcare, greatly assisted her in her final years of life.
Throughout her life, she was a great blessing to many people. In Kingston, Jamaica, New York City, and Orlando, many visitors felt at home in her home. She is now in her eternal home in heaven, enjoying the God she loved and served so faithfully on earth.
Joyce Alexander leaves behind a number of family members and friends who cherish her memory: Lance and Andrew (sons); Norma and Gloria (sisters), Lawrence, Jason, Howard and Christopher (nephews), Michelle and Andrea (nieces), Venice (god-daughter), Hope (daughter-in-law), Andre (grandson), grandnephews, grandnieces, and a host of special friends. May she rest in the Peace and Love of the Lord Jesus Christ.
