Joyce Marie Mccarthy

Life ReflectionsJoyce Marie (Johnson) McCarthy was born on August 16, 1945 in Hayti, Missouri. She was the second oldest of Dorothy and George Johnson. Joyce married Harvey McCarthy, Jr. and, after his death, later married Leroy Williams, Jr. She had two daughters. Joyce was preced- ed in death by her father and two brothers, Paul Johnson and Steven Johnson. Joyce, an academically gifted and talented child, was educated in the Ritenour School District and earned her high school diploma in 1963. She graduated summa cum laude from Harris Stowe State College, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, with a double minor in Math and Psychology. Thereafter, she earned her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. Joyce's life was a testimony of human service, both personally and professionally. She was an ardent advocate for the human rights and needs of children and youth, particularly those who were unvoiced and in need of special care. She was able to live out her life's purpose and passion at Fred Jefferson Homes, in Los Angeles, California, where she labored in complete love over many years. She began at Fred Jeffer- son Homes as the Program Administrator for the Freeman Enrichment Center, a non-public school for children with special academic and behavioral needs. She continued at Fred Jefferson Homes, working through time until her passing, as an Administrator, a Foster Parent Trainer, and a Children'S Group Home Therapist. Earlier in Joyce's career, in Southern California, she served as the Deputy Director at the youth and Family Center and worked at a number of human service organizations, including the Salvation Army, the March of Dimes, and a battered woman's shelter. She also held federal government service positions with the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Census. Joyce means "joy" and her life exemplified the very embodiment of her name. She loved family and friends; and they loved her dearly. Her favorite past times were dancing, singing, laughing, creative arts, sharing funny memory lane stories, "relaxing," and spending time with her grandchildren. She had a magnetizing spirit; and her "down to earth" personality and generosity with love, resources, and time were noted by all who met her. Her Joy springs eternal. .. After a sixty-six year life of purpose and passion, Joyce's spirit took flight from her body on Tuesday, June 26,2012. Joyce will be remembered, missed, and loved by her family forev- er: Husband-Leroy Williams, Jr.; Mother-Dorothy Commons Johnson; Daughters-Tracey McCarthy, Kobi McCarthy-Grey (Derrick Grey); Step- children- Virlinda Williams, Troy Williams, Brandy Williams; Brother- Marcellous Johnson; Sister-Denise Johnson-Fue (LaMar Fue); Grand- children-Aaron Boutte, Jaiden Grey; Sister-in-Iaw-Gladys Collins; Sister- Friend-Linda (Askebe) Ball; 7 nieces and nephews; Special Friend- Cecilia Jefferson; and a host of friends and relatives-including the Johnson family, the Surgener family, the Watson family, the McCarthy family, the Moore family, and the Fred Jefferson Homes family. Interment:Laurel Hill Cemetery2000 North PennsylvaniaSt. Louis, MO 63133 .