Joyce Barton Davis

The Reverend Joyce A. Barton Davis was born on September 12, 1947, in Baltimore, Maryland to Henry R. and Mary J. Thomas. On Saturday, October 20, 2001, our Savior called her home for eternal rest, after battling a lengthy illness. In her formative years, Joyce received her early Christian education at St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Turner Station, Maryland. Although her Christian journey as an adult led her to other houses of worship, she never forgot her roots. Joyce often visited and contributed her time, resources and talent to St. Matthews. Joyce’s love for the members was evident in her calls of concern, cards and other acts of kindness. Joyce was the eldest of five siblings and relished her role as “Big Sister”. She served as their protector, confidante, negotiator and role model. After her parents passed, she assumed the role of matriarch with much authority. Joyce was educated in the Baltimore County Public School System. It was then, that Joyce expressed a zeal for learning and obtained the basics for continued academic excellence. Joyce achieved and Associate of Art Degree from the Community College of Baltimore, a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Baltimore, and a Juris Doctor from the School of Law at the University of Maryland. After receiving her law degree, Joyce was admitted as an Attorney and Counselor to the bars in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. In 1993, Joyce was admitted and qualified as and Attorney and Counselor of the Supreme Court of the United States. After working with youngsters, battered women, personal injury cases and family domestic Cases, Joyce was led to the ministry. In 1996, Joyce heeded god’s call and entered the Howard University School of Divinity. In 1998, she received her Masters of Divinity Degree. Shortly thereafter, Rev, Davis became the minister of four churches in the Hereford Charge; namely. Gough, Pine Grove, St. Luke, and Union United Methodist Churches. In July 2000, she was appointed pastor to Melville Chapel United Methodist Church in Elkridge, Maryland. Rev. Davis often remarked of how truly blessed she was to pastor the loving and welcoming members of Melville Chapel. One of the most joyous events of Joyce’s life was the birth of her beloved son, Brett T. Barton on July 29, 1971. He preceded her in death on July 12, 2001, but gifted her with three beautiful granddaughters whom she cherished. In August 1986, Joyce married James (Jim) Davis and they had many happy years together. Joyce and Jim enjoyed traveling and cruising to exotic places. Jim was very loving and supportive of Joyce throughout their fifteen years of marriage. Shortly after her high school graduation, Joyce began working for the Social Security Administration as a clerk. Throughout her thirty-four year career, she held a number of managerial positions, most recently as an Appeals Officer of the Appeals Council. Because of Joyce’s fastidious work ethic, she received numerous citations, letters of commendation and awards. Recognizing her spirituality, friends, co-workers, and associates sought her advice on personal, as well as work-related matters. Regardless of the situation, Joyce was always willing to help. Waiting at the pearly gates with God for Joyce is her parents, Henry and Mary Thomas and her son, Brett. She leaves to cherish fond memories: her husband, James Davis; her granddaughters, India, Breshe, and Jabrea; three sisters, Beverly Gaither, Linda Thomas, and Harriet (Cookie) Johnson; one brother, Henry (Boysie) Thomas; treasured aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives, friends and members of Melville Chapel United Methodist Church.

Tributes

Joyce Barton Davis

September 12, 1947 - October 20, 2001