Her Story

I waited patiently for the Lord, and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.”
Psalm 40:1

Joyce Merle Dunbar was born December 17, 1943, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Louis Dunbar, Jr., and Daisy Watson Dunbar.

Upon the grave illness of her biological mother, when Joyce was just six weeks old, she become the pride and joy of her aunt and uncle, Barney and Martha Dunbar King, better known as “Tippy and Coonie.” They truly loved, adored and spoiled her, and in later years legally adopted her.

Joyce graduated from Jonesville Consolidated High School, Class of 1961, and enrolled in Grambling College where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Afterwards, she began her lifelong career dedicated to influencing the next generation of young men and women by teaching and mentoring math and science. Most of her career was spent in the Flint Community School District, preparing students to meet life’s challenges. Joyce enhanced her education by earning a Master’s degree at the University of Michigan. Upon retiring from teaching, Joyce continued to remain involved in higher education by supervising student teachers at the Flint campus of the University of Michigan.

Joyce married the love of her life, Harvey L. Jones on June 23, 1970. They were lifelong friends, growing up on the same street and were classmates throughout their years in school. Hence, their love and commitment towards each other began at an early age.

Joyce was a dedicated member of First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Flint, Michigan where she enjoyed leading the Women’s Sunday School Class for many years.

Joyce was a proud Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where she participated in various civic events that supported the rights and needs of the community. She was also a member of the NAACP, Order of the Eastern Star and Heroines of Jericho.

Joyce M. Dunbar Jones is survived by her sister, Bettye Dunbar Holmes of Jonesville, Louisiana; brother, Louis (Victoria) Dunbar of Seabrook, Texas; step-sisters, Lottie Cooper of Dubberly, Louisiana, and Gloria Chatman of Minden, Louisiana; special nieces, Kim Dunbar of Ruston, Louisiana, Connie D. (Joseph) Nelson of Waxahachie, Texas, Sonya (Jefferson) Spillers Browne of Brooklyn, New York, Judy Thomas of Alexandria, Louisiana; special nephews, Derek Dunbar of New Orleans, Louisiana, Sheldon E. Holmes of New Orleans, Louisiana; sister-in-law, Shirley J. (Mark) Spillers of Brooklyn, New York; brothers-in-law, Roosevelt Moore of Dubberly, Louisiana, and Dave Richardson of New Orleans, Louisiana; Godchildren, Dr. Joseph Nelson, II of Boston, Massachusetts, Carmen LeFlore of Flint, Michigan, and William “Mitch” Hawkins of Kalamazoo, Michigan; along with a host of other dear relatives and friends.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Louis Dunbar, Jr., Daisy Watson Dunbar, Barney King, Martha Dunbar King; step-mother, Annie Chatman Dunbar; husband, Harvey L. Jones; and her sister, Barbara Dunbar Moore.

We would like to extend special thanks to those who provided exceptional support to her during her most critical time of need: Creashaunda Alexander, Ernestine Fagan, Jacqueline Johnson, Jasmine Jones, Benny Ruth King, Amond O’Steen, Sarah Tucker and Carrie Washington. In addition, thank you to Pastor Woodrow and Sister Louvenia Pellerin and the St. Peter Baptist Church, the First Trinity Church of Flint, Michigan, and the Flint Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

“He shall call upon me, and I will answer him.”
Psalm 91:15

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