2003 Woman of the Year
Born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia, Joyce Jones is the daughter of Gladys and the late Arthorlur Brewer. She has one daughter, Natasha, and two wonderful graddaughters, Singé and Jamyah who affectionately refer to her as Bamma.
Joyce attended Roanoke City Public Schools and greaduated from Lucy Addison HIgh School in 1967. She then continued her education at Norfolk State University and later Virginia College. In 1978, Joyve received her LPN license through the Burrell Memorial Hospital Practical Nursing Program-Roanoke City Public Schools. Joyce also attended the Southern School for Labor Union Women. In addition to her other schooling has also received her Emergency Medical Technician Certification.
She is a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church where Dwight O. Steel, Sr. serves as pastor. Here she is a memebr of the Pilgram Baptist Mass Choir.
In her spare time, Joyce has served and is serving as a volunteer for several different organizations. She has served as an EMT for General Electric Rescue Squad and in numerous capacities for the Roanoke Valley Red Cross. Because of her dedication and hard work, Joyce has received accommodations from the Red Cross for contributions during disasters occurring in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas. With each volunteer effort, she is registerd a union member. In the past, she was also part of the Roanoke United Cenrtral Labor Council cooking crew for the Roanoke Area Ministries House.
One of her most proudest volunteer efforts has been with the Get Out the Vote (GOTV). Her monumnetal leadership has lead to the successful appointment of several campaign dignitaries. Her latest effort has earned Joyce the appointed position of Union Liaison for the Honorable House of Delegate-elect Onzlee Ware.
In 1972, Joyce was employed by General Electric located in Salem, Virginia where she is currently an assistant shop steward. As an employee of General Electric, she joined Local 161, now named IUE/CWA 161, and is a resplendent member of Coalition of Labor Union Women, CLUW. Among her many accomplishements, Joyce has also served on the following committees:
- Delegate to Roanoke Untied Labor Council, RUCLC
- Community Service Committee
- Screening Committee for political candidates
- Community on Political Education, COPE
- Social Action Committee
- 15-Years of Experience as Shop Steward
Joyce is very appreciative of the bestowed honor of being selected the Labor 2003 Woman of the Year. It greatly signifies the culmination of her hard work and dedication to Union involvement.