On September 25th, 1956, Joy Antoinette Bain was the fourth child born to her proud parents in New York City (Manhattan). Her parents called her their bundle of Joy, and named her accordingly; “Joy.” Joy attended the public elementary school in their neighborhood on Manhattan Ave. Joy began playing piano at an early age, and excelled, even going on to perform at Carnegie Hall in her younger years. At the beginning of Joy’s seventh grade school year, her parents purchased a home in Los Angeles, CA near their daughter, Yvonne (and her family) where Joy enrolled in John Burroughs Jr. H.S., and later attended Los Angeles High School a few blocks from their home.
She was a very popular and outstanding student who participated in numerous school organizations and after school, Joy and her niece, Crystal, studied ballet at the American School of Dance in Hollywood. During Joy’s senior year, she received many awards, graduated with honors, and was selected out of many deserving young ladies to be presented as a debutante under the sponsorship of Miles College.
Joy attended California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo. During her matriculation at Cal Poly, she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Child Development. After graduation, she was employed at the Early Childhood Development Center in San Luis Obispo, CA, where she enjoyed helping and interacting with younger children. Joy was always willing to babysit for her family and her friends’ children who all respected her skills in child development. Joy was project Manager at Camp San Luis and Camp Roberts for many years, and she enjoyed that job very much. It was actually while working at Camp SLO that Joy met the love of her life.
Joy married the love of her life, her king, Calvin Newberry on January 12, 1992. Calvin treated Joy like a queen all the days of their union, from which they had two children; Victoria and Jordan. Joy loved her husband and children dearly. In raising her children, she always emphasized the importance of their education and was very supportive in all of their ventures. Joy and Calvin lived their lives focused primarily on their children and family life. They both enjoyed cooking together and they prepared delicious meals for their family, special occasions, and church affairs. Listening to music, attending concerts, dancing and watching her favorite television programs were some of the things Joy enjoyed doing. Joy really enjoyed going to Big Chill at the Grad with her friends Caren and Hector, and she also really loved her jazz music. Joy read her Bible, especially the Psalms, even when she was hospitalized. Joy’s last attended church was Agape SLO.
Joy was raised among her family of dressmakers and tailors so she was accustomed to an array of beautiful clothing and was always among the “fashionistas” in high school. Throughout her life, she loved wearing beautiful clothing and unique jewelry. Joy had a great sense of style and animal prints were among her favorites in her wardrobe. Joy also loved her cats and dogs (especially her Chloe) and looked forward to feeding them daily. During the last few months of Joy’s life, she participated in phone conferences with her sister Yvonne, niece Crystal, nephew Christian and Father Anthony Lee.
For approximately eight years, Joy courageously fought her cancer. Her loving and devoted husband Calvin was always beside her, tirelessly, being her caregiver and remaining faithful to Joy, transporting her to medical and lab appointments, shopping, errands or whatever was necessary. During Joy’s last few months of life, her daughter, Victoria left her job to be Joy’s full time caregiver. Jordan, Joy’s son, would assist in taking her to appointments, and Victoria’s fiance, Aaron, would frequently assist however he could, even if it was just to provide a little positivity. Joy especially enjoyed that time with her children.
Joy went to be with the Lord on the morning of Wednesday, June 17th, 2020 in San Luis Obispo, CA. She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Eloise Bain, brother, George Irvin Bain, and sister, Bernadette Bain. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Calvin Newberry, children, Victoria and Jordan Newberry, Victoria’s fiancé, Aaron Castorena, sister, Yvonne Bain Jones, brother-in-law, Alden Jones, Godmother, Eugenia Clarke, nieces, Crystal Culmer and Emerald Culmer-Royster, nephew, Christian Culmer-Evans, loving cousins, Joan Hunt Family, Ivadelle Earle Family, Fred Anton Jr. Family, Leo-Anton Jr. Family, Rev. Father Clarence Bain, family friend, Dr. Stephon Battle-Bey, Delta Sigma Theta sorority classmates, Rev. Father Anthony Lee and a host of other loving family members and loving friends.
