Joyce Jeffress McDonald

July 30, 1948 - May 28, 2020

McDonald, Joyce Obituary

                                            OBITUARY

                                 ~ These Are The Facts~

Don’t grieve for me, for I am following the path GOD has laid you see.  I took His hand when I heard His call, I turned my back and left it all.

 

Joyce Jeffress McDonald of Hyattsville, MD departed this life on Thursday, May 28, 2020, after a brief illness. Born July 30, 1948, the eldest of five children of the late Henry E. and Annabell McCargo Jeffress in Scottsburg, VA.  

She was a graduate of Mary M. Bethune High School in Halifax, VA, and moved to Washington, DC to start her college life.  She was a graduate of Atlantic Business College, Washington, DC. and furthered her education by attending Catholic University and the University of the District of Columbia.

Joyce was also employed by The Food and Drug Administration for many years and also was employed by the George Washington University as an administrator for over 25 years.  She retired from this position in March 2015.

During her early years, she attended Spanish Grove Baptist Church faithfully before moving to Washington, DC.  After moving to the city she quickly became a member of Randall Memorial Baptist Church later she became a member of St. Anne Pentecostal Holiness Church. As time moved on she was lead to become a member of Bible Way Church of Washington, DC.  Joyce loved to sing and had a beautiful voice.  She sang with many different choirs around the city including the Progressive Youth Chorale Ensemble, Mattie Johnson & the Stars of Faith, Roland Joyner and Company, the WYCB Community Choir, and the Young Adult Choir at Bible Way Church (Member and Directress).  At the time of her death, she was a member of the Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church under the leadership of Bishop Alfred and Co-Pastor Susie Owens.  Joyce was a member of the Sanctuary Choir. She brought her own brand of humor to every conversation.  She was known around the choir and church as “Sparkle”.  

In 1982 Joyce joined WDCU FM90.1 serving as one of the Gospel Announcers. She served as host, producer, and engineer on two segments of the Gospel program for the station, “Blessed Assurance” on Sunday’s 8:30-12noon. She conducted “live” interviews with local and nationally known recording artists and also introduced new artists.  Joyce represented WDCU FM90.1 for the Cerebral Palsy Telethon presented annually by Channel 5 (WTTG), Washington, DC. 

Joyce was extremely creative. A master seamstress, she could make her sewing machine(s) sing.  She has sewn choir attire and robes for several choirs around the city for their annual anniversary services.  Joyce created and design beautiful wedding gowns for brides.  Her talent for designing and producing handkerchiefs as well as jewelry is legendary.  Joyce is survived by one sister, Patricia Carden (Larry) Scottsburg, VA; two brothers, James Jeffress (Sheila) New Haven, CT, and Barry Jeffress (Patricia) Albany, NY. A host of nieces and nephews and other extended families. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her friend Bobbie “Crum” Shumate. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Henry Jeffress.




Day:
Time:

What:
Venue:

Where:
June 22, 2020
Service 3:00-4:00 PM

Viewing 2:30-3:00PM
R.N. Horton Chapel

600 Kennedy Sts, NW
Washington, DC 20011
Get Driving Directions

Day:
Time:

What:
Venue:

Where:
June 22, 2020
2:30 -4 :00 PM

Live Streaming
Live2.rnhorton.com

Horton Chapel 600 Kennedy Sts, NW
Washington, DC 20011
Get Driving Directions


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