Joyce Elaine Dandridge McFadden

Joyce Elaine Dandridge McFadden passed from this life into the glorious life hereafter on August 26, 2012. Mrs. McFadden was an Associate Minister at Broad Rock Baptist Church, South Richmond, Virginia. Mrs. McFadden was born August 16, 1942 in Richmond, Virginia to Rose Birmingham and John Dandridge. She grew up in the Jackson Ward, and graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School. She was married to James McFadden. Joyce and James had two sons together, Maury and Dwayne, who were the lights of her life. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University in New Jersey. She was a candidate for her Masters, having attended Richmond, Virginia, Seminary. She also studied to earn a certificate in Church Leadership from Virginia Union University School of Theology Evans-Smith and Weekend Division. She also received an Honorary Doctorate from Spirit of TRUTH, North Carolina. She served as a volunteer chaplain for Handicaps Unlimited of Greater Richmond (HUGR) as well as the McGuire Veterans Hospital (Spinal Cord Injuries). She was the former Ambassador of Goodwill to Nigeria, representing Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, World Trade Tri-State Commission. Joyce travelled to West Africa, Europe, Egypt, Seoul, Korea, and the Holy Land in Israel. All along this Christian Journey, she showed consistent love, awareness and concern for God’s People, especially for the young and elderly. In Southern New Jersey, she worked with girls On the Move, using dramatic expression to encourage young women to see alternatives to teenage pregnancy. She went on to found the CCC (Creative Christians for Christ) Drama Guild. These are but a few of her efforts to make a Christlike difference in the lives of others. While in California, Joyce formed a Christ-centered business called God’s Garden, an inter-denominational ministry to women, which served to bless many in the hot spot area of Central Los Angeles. After relocating to San Francisco, she formed the Balm of Gilead Prison Ministry and Aftercare center. Continuing to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, she enrolled in the Shiloh Bible College in Oakland, California. After the death of her father she was lead to come back home to Richmond. Finally, Joyce wished it known that she was Saved, Sealed and Set Free. Joyce was blessed with the Anointing of Joy. And with her gift, she filled hearts and lifted Spirits, telling all of the goodness of the Lord. She believed in searching the Scriptures before presenting her spiritual revelations and insights. This greatly enhanced her gift of teaching while preaching. She was quick to say that she was not an entertainer and refused to tickle your ear. Despite her Holy humor, Joyce was a flat-footed, no-nonsense Gospel preacher, who said, “You may not get to shout, but you’ll learn of the way out” translated, she preached “Jesus” (John 8:34-36), “He who the Son sets free is free indeed.” Reverend McFadden had genuine concern for God’s people. She was high energy, a loving spirit and had a keen mind. She was funny, fun and smart. She loved the Lord... loved His Church, His People, His Program and His promises. Her enthusiasm, zest for life, and love for Christ came through as she preached, taught and witnessed to His glory. Her lifestyle was one of Worship... her message was one of Praise and her Hope was built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and His righteousness, which flow through Eternity. She had love and passion for the Lord, Jesus Christ, His Holy Spirit and God, the Father as well as compassion for all people. Mrs. McFadden was predeceased by her parents Rose Birmingham, John Dandridge; husband, James McFadden and sister, Vivian Bishop. She is survived by her sons, Maury (Oakland, CA) and Dwayne (Richmond, VA) McFadden; brothers, John Dandridge, Jr. and Lamar Pinkney; sisters, Doris Ann Hughes and Sylvia Bernetta Jones; daughter-in-law, Susan J. McFadden (Sitka, AK); and spiritual daughter, Beverly L. Hatcher (Richmond, VA).

Tributes

Joyce Elaine Dandridge McFadden

August 16, 1942 - August 26, 2012