Joyce Elaine Pauline Bostic

February 12, 1940 – January 8, 2012

SHE LIVED.

Celebration of Life

for

Joyce Elaine Pauline Bostic

Obituary

Joyce Elaine Pauline Bostic was born on February 12, 1940. She was the second child born to John and McVella Pauline in Jacksonville, FL. Known early for her keen sense of humor, Joyce once starched all of her dresses, stood them in the living room and thoroughly scared her father when he entered the house.

When her brother Ronald left Jacksonville, Joyce followed suit, entering Clark

College in 1958. She didn’t pledge a sorority at Clark, but became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in 1989, becoming the co-chair of the Ivy Beyond the Wall memorial service of the Kappa Omega Chapter. In 2011, Joyce participated in her 50th year college reunion. She was so proud of being a Clark graduate, that she addressed the entire group.

During her junior year at Clark, Joyce met Harris C. Bostic. He was the

quintessential Morehouse man and would become a successful attorney and judge. The couple married on September 9, 1961, and had four children who would become the next generation of their Atlanta University Center family. From the beginning, Joyce and Harris made it clear to Kenneth, Harris II, Joi and Anthony that they would not only graduate high school, they would successfully complete college. Joyce was proud that all of her children surpassed their parents’ expectations and attained master’s degrees.

Following the birth of her first child, Joyce became a reading specialist in the

Atlanta public school system. Understanding that it was tough for a child to learn if they were hungry or had poor hygiene, Joyce personally made sure that her students were fed and clean. Learning was also a personal priority for Joyce and in 1969 she received a Master of Arts, Reading Specialists from Atlanta University.

In 1978, health reasons led her to leave teaching and become a senior tax clerk in

the Fulton County Tax Assessors Office. In 1983, she became a tax technician in the accounting division of the Fulton County Tax Commissioner’s Office – a position she held until 1988. In 1989, Joyce returned to her first love – education – becoming a Fulton County elementary school teacher. Three years later, she was assigned to Fulton County’s Teaching Museum – South, where she implemented, designed and displayed exhibits, taught and made presentations until June 1997. From 1997 to 2003, Joyce was an adjunct professor at Clark Atlanta University’s School of Education. From 2003 to 2005, she was an adjunct professor at Spelman College, where she taught classes and mentored student teachers.

The ultimate advisor, Joyce enjoyed several long friendships that spanned more than 50 years and included friends from Jacksonville and her college days in Atlanta. In addition to offering great advice to her contemporaries, Joyce adopted many of her children’s friends as her own – affectionately referring to them as her “street children” and listening to their struggles, challenges and aspirations.

Crafty and creative, Joyce was known for making money frames, center

pieces, bulletin boards and other items. Where others saw a useless item ready for the trash, Joyce saw an ingredient for an art project.

Joyce’s smile was her signature. It warmed all who were touched by its glow.

She loved one dance: The Electric Slide. Joyce participated in a variety of organizations, including the Neighborhood

Arts Center; Y Mentee, a program of the Butler Street Y.M.C.A.; the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau (Attaché); the Atlanta Barristers’ Wives Scholarship Fund; March of Dimes; Atlanta League of Women Voters; and the Judicial Election-Fulton County Superior Court. In 1987, Joyce was a Georgia Industrial Development Authority delegate to Japan. In 2001, she was a gubernatorial appointee to the Judicial Review committee.

Joyce was also an extensive traveler who loved to collect mugs, clocks,

televisions and plants. Each of the items became part of the décor of her meticulous home where she paid close attention to the angle of every pillow and the fold of each blanket. With her green thumb, Joyce knew the care required for each of her plants – some older than her children – and their origin. Her determined spirit was apparent even until her transition on January 8, the birth date of Kenneth, her eldest son.

Joyce was preceded in death by Kenneth in 1988 and by her husband in 1990. She is survived by brother, Ronald Pauline of Jacksonville, FL; aunt, Ineria

Hudnell of West Palm Beach, FL.; children, Harris II of Harlem, NY, Anthony and Joi of Atlanta; grandsons, Treston and Kenneth of Atlanta, and many relatives and friends.

Order Of Service Wednesday, January 11, 2012

10:00 a.m. Bethel United Methodist Church

1215 New Hope Road, SW Atlanta, Georgia 30331

Reverend Lee Pendleton, Senior Pastor, Officiating

Musical Prelude “There’s A Sweet, Sweet Spirit”

Processional/Opening Sentences

Call to Worship

Celebration in Song “We’re Marching to Zion” BUMC Chancel Choir

Scripture Reading

Old Testament Rev. Robert Lawrence

New Testament Rev. Byron Thomas

Opening Prayer Rev. Marvin King Sr.

Reflections (2 minutes)

Childhood Friends Margie Witherspoon

Priscilla Florence

College Friend Maudette Twyman

Co-worker Shirlene Mitchell

Mama Joyce’s “Street Child” Cassandra Edmond

Church Member Diane Easley

Special Presentation

Celebration in Song “Hold On to God’s Unchanging Hand” BUMC Chancel Choir

Words of Comfort Pastor Lee Pendleton

Bethel United Methodist Church

Service of Committal

Celebration in Song “Goin’ Up Yonder” BUMC Chancel Choir

Family Acknowledgements Mrs. Lee Dorothy Edmond

Closing Prayer Pastor Lee Pendleton

Recessional / Receiving Line for Family

Pallbearers Bethel United Methodist Men

Honorary Plant Bearers

Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. T-Bobs Bridge Club

The Gems Bridge Club The Funmakers Bridge Club

Plant Bearers

Mama Joyce’s “Street Children”

Family Acknowledgements The family of Joyce Bostic would like to thank each of you for your heartfelt

support through your prayers, thoughts, calls and visits. None of them has gone unappreciated. We hope that knowing she went in peace softens your grief. Go forward reflecting on her warm spirit, bright smile and the many ways she enhanced your life. She wanted her final celebration to be just that. So in her memory, please find a moment to do the electric slide…just for her.

In lieu of flowers, please make a monetary donation payable to

The Kappa Omega Chapter (AKA) for the Joyce Bostic Creative Arts Scholarship Fund Send to P.O. Box 92727, Atlanta, GA 30314

Special Thanks to: Lisa Harris Leigh

Ben Hill United Methodist Church Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, Inc.

Staff of the Marcus Stroke & Neuroscience Center of Grady Memorial Hospital

Childhood Friend Many years ago Thaddeus and Elizabeth Alvarez and John and McVella

Pauline sent their little girls to kindergarten at Mrs. V.B. Muese’s home. These little girls Margie and Joyce became lifelong friends who were like sisters.

We attended the same church from the Cradle Roll class until we graduated

from high school. Once we were delegates to the Sunday school convention we were hiding watching our chaperone looking for us and giggling.

Joyce and I decided we would get some dresses made alike. We picked a

pattern that had a dropped waistline. The gathers were on the hips and neither of us had any. We wore crinolines which made the dress stand out and we both had little legs hanging out.

During the Christmas holidays one of the streets near my house was where

kids skated. Joyce and I went there just to hang out and socialize with our friends.

Many of the kids in the neighborhood ran around together. We went to the

matinees and the movies on Saturday if we did our chores and did not get into trouble during the week. Usually if one person got in trouble with our parents we all did and were all punished. I never heard our parents discussing our activities but I am sure they did.

Finally one summer when we were home from college we asked our parents if

we could have a beach party. They said yes and some of them let us use the family cars. We were told not to take the cars on the beach. The beach I’m talking about was called American Beach now famously known as Amelia Island. Well we did exactly what we were told not to do. The cars were parked on the beach. We were goofing around on the sand dunes and the tide came in. Three cars were floating in the Atlantic Ocean. Needless to say all of us were in big trouble whether you were a driver or not. All of us were on restriction for the rest of the summer. We didn’t dare ask to go anywhere.

In spite of our mischievous ways most of our peers made a good life for

ourselves. Well my sister friend rest in peace until we meet again.

Margie Witherspoon

Childhood Friend GOOD MORNING: I AM SO PLEASED THAT JOI, ANTHONY AND HARRIS ASKED ME TO SAY SOMETHING ABOUT MY DEAR FRIEND

JOYCE. I AM SO SORRY THAT I COULD NOT DELIVER THIS IN PERSON. KNOWING JOYCE SHE WOULD SAY “I UNDERSTAND YOU STAY IN CALIFORNIA AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, I’M FINE.”

JOYCE WAS IN MY LIFE OVER 65 YEARS. WE WERE IN ELEMENTARY, JUNIOR HIGH, SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL AND

COLLEGE. WHEN WE WERE GROWING UP IN JACKSONVILLE, FL WE WALKED TO ONE ANOTHER’S HOUSE TO PLAY, WE WOULD MEET ONE ANOTHER ON OUR WAY TO SCHOOL AND WALK TOGETHER, WE WERE IN SOCIAL CLUBS TOGETHER AND DID WE LAUGH OR I WILL SAY GIGGLE A LOT.

MRS PAULINE AMD MY MOM KNEW IF WE WERE TOGETHER THAT WE WERE SAFE AND THAT WHEREVER

WE SAID WE WERE OR WHAT EVER WE WERE DOING THAT THEY HAD NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT BECAUSE JOYCE AND I WERE TOGETHER.

IN 1957, JOYCE AND A HIGH SCHOOL FRIEND, AND I WENT TO PALM BEACH FL TO VISIT JOYCE’S AUNT

INERIA. IT WAS ON THAT VISIT THAT WE DISCOVERED THAT WE BOTH HAD APPLIED TO CLARK COLLEGE AND BOTH HAD BEEN ACCEPTED. WE WERE SO EXCITED AND HAPPY.

WHEN THE TIME CAME FOR US TO LEAVE FOR COLLEGE, WE MET AT THE RAILROAD STATION. OUR PARENTS

WERE WITH US AND WE SAID OUD GOODBYE’S TO THEM AND OFF TO CLARK WE WENT. BECAUSE JOYCE WAS WITH ME I DIDN’T WANT TO SHOW HOW SCARED I WAS AND NEITHER DID SHE SO WE ACTED LIKE BIG GIRLS.

THE SECOND SEMESTER AT CLARK WE WERE ROOMATES. I THOUGHT THAT I WAS ORGANIZED AND NEAT.

LET ME TELL YOU JOYCE HAD ME BEAT. SHE INSISTED THAT OUR BEDS WERE MADE AND EVERY THING WAS IN ORDER BEFORE WE WENT TO CLASS. IN FACT OUR ROOM WAS SO NEAT AND ORGANIZED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WE WON THE PRIZE FOR THE NEATEST ROOM IN OUR DORMITORY. JOYCE DECIDED THAT I NEEDED A SHORTER AND JAZZY NAME SO SHE CALLED ME “PRISSY” THAT NAME IS STILL WITH ME. THERE ARE SOME CLASSMATES THAT STILL CALL ME “PRISSY”

JOYCE CALLED ATLANTA HER HOME, WHERE SHE MARRIED AND HAD HER CHILDREN. I MARRIED, MOVED TO

CALIFORNIA AND HAD MY FAMILY. EVEN THOUGH WE WERE MILES APART WE FOUND THE TIME TO STAY IN TOUCH.

WHEN WE TALKED SHE ALWAYS ASKED: “AND HOW ARE YOU AND HOW ARE YOUR CHILDREN?’ I WOULD

SAY HOW ARE YOU AND HOW ARE YOUR CHILDREN?’ AS THE CHILDREN MATURED WE WOULD SAY “THE CHILDREN ARE FINE AND THEY ARE WORKING.”

LAST YEAR, WITH A LOT OF PERSUADING, JOYCE PARTICIPATED IN OUR 50TH COLLEGE CLASS REUNION. I WILL

ALWAYS CHERISH AND REMEMBER THE WONDERFUL TIME WE HAD. JOYCE WAS THE PERFECT NAME FOR HER. SHE WAS J-JOYFUL, O-OVER PROTECTIVE, Y-YOUTHFUL, C-CARING,

AND E-EARNEST. SHE WAS MY FRIEND. AS I GOT OLDER, I KNEW THAT OUR FRIENDSHIP WAS A GIFT FROM GOD AND I’M

THANKFUL THAT I HAD THAT GIFT. TO JOI, ANTHONY, AND HARRIS ON THE LAST CARD THAT I RECEIVED FROM YOUR MOM SHE SAID MAY YOU HAVE PEACE FOR YOUR SOUL, JOY FOR YOUR SPIRIT AND LOVE FOR YOUR HEART AND THAT’S MY WISH FOR YOU TODAY AND IN THE DAYS TO COME.

I LOVE YOU. PRISCILLA

Reflections: College Friend JOYCE ELAINE PAULINE BOSTIC

She was always there when I needed her Joyce and I have been friends for over 50 years. Our lives paralleled so many

times in so many ways in sickness, in health and even in death. We met at Clark/Atlanta University as freshmen. We both went on to finish Clark/AU together and celebrated our 50’ reunion just last June. I stood with her when she married and she stood with me. We were born only 1 day apart and when we were younger, she used to boast that she should always have the last word because she was older than me.( though only 1 day) Our husbands walked together on the track trying to stay fit while battling illnesses and we were both stroke victims. When Bostic passed, I sang at his homegoing. When my sister died she traveled to Detroit with me to clean out her house. Our children are around the same age and we belonged to the same bridge club, same sorority and same bonanza club.

On the night that she was informed of her son Kenneth’s death she was

washing dishes in my home, ironically, because my husband had died the day before She was talented, resourceful and above all, bossy. She was in O’Lillian’s words “Sassy”. She was very opinionated, knew everybody and everything and was an authority on all things. She knew what the street committee knew before they knew it. She told her children that they could miss being with her on Thanksgiving but they had to absolutely come together at Christmas time. Harris couldn’t get there physically for this Christmas, but guess what, they sciped him and he was there for the opening of presents There was only one way to do anything Joyce’s way. She would ask or, should I say, tell you to do something and then tell you the best way to get it done. She was always in my business telling me just how to handle things. Putting all jokes aside, she was talented, committed, and always willing to assist. When she took on a job, she did it well. She wanted to always be independent. She was brave and never complained. She was very meticulous and Priscilla, her college

roommate, says that she wanted everything in the right place and if you put it in the wrong place, she would scold you for it. As a matter of fact, when she fell two weeks ago, she was stretching from her wheelchair to put something in just the right place.

She will be greatly missed by the Funmakers, the BeeGees,

Alpha Kappa Alpha and all of her many friends and family. But most of all, as with others of you, I will miss seeing the joy on her face when I came to visit her or picked her up to take her places.

As a footnote, even now, she is still doing things her way. She

told us if her service lasted much longer then 45 minutes, she was going to rise up. We heard that and I hope we did it the way she wanted it. She would be proud of her children and her grandsons and they way they stepped up to the plate.

So long, Joyce. Until we meet again. And oh, wait until they get to know you better before you start giving out orders in Heaven.

Maudette Twyman

Reflections: Co-Worker

Joyce and I were employed with the Board of Tax Assessors. We were not just a co-workers, we were also friends. She was a joy to work with, and we had lots of fun.

A few days ago when I was asked to speak at Joyce’s service, Anthony

reminded me of a situation that occurred in the office. I was surprised that he remembered this incident since he was very young at the time. He suggested that I tell you about it today.

A lady who visited our office wanted to do something special for my boss

because he was always so nice to her. She said she was a good cook and wanted to know if my boss had a favorite dish. I mentioned that he loved sweet potato pies. Therefore, she decided she would bake one for him and one for Joyce and me.

When she left, Joyce said: “We will not eat any sweet potato pie she brings. I

asked, “Why”? Joyce replied “because she has cats”. I asked Joyce “how can you just LOOK at someone and tell that they have cats”. She said, “I can just tell by her looks”.

We decided that when the lady comes with the pies, we would somehow

bring the conversation around to asking if she had pets. The conversation went very well. I asked if she enjoyed baking and she said” “Yes, I do. Since my husband passed and I retired, I enjoy baking and taking care of my CATS”. Needless to say, I knew Joyce was going to say “I told you so.” Joyce eventually asked her how many cats she had and she said six (6).

When she left, Joyce said “One day you’re going to listen to me.” A famous writer once said: “Those we love never truly die; they live on in the

hearts and memories of those left behind.” Joyce will forever live in my heart and the many wonderful memories.

Shirlene Mitchell

Mama Joyce’s Street Child

My name is Cassandra Edmond, Sandi Edmond. I grew up here in Bethel United Methodist Church and also on Loch Lomond Trail. I am here representing Joyce Bostic’s “Street Children”. If you are one of her “Street Children” raise your hand or stand.

You know you are one of her “street children” if: she

taught you or tutored you…spanked you or threw a shoe…If she held your hand or held your head. Joyce Bostic taught you and got the best out of you, whether you wanted to give it to her or not.

In all the years that I’ve known her, I’d have to say that

her game was Scrabble…but she lived Bridge. And as her “street children”, she was a bridge for us -- a bridge to adulthood. She would pointedly question YOUR situation ---just enough, so that YOUR own answers, would slow walk YOU, to the answer that was right for YOU. (not for your parents -- not for your friends -- but for YOU.) Allowing you to walk the walk, the way YOU should walk it. All things being equal in bridge, she would call a spade a spade, she always knew what the trump was, and she would NEVER allow you to renege. So -- live your life, with the hand you’re dealt, play the game well --- and don’t renege.

Church Member SPECIAL THOUGHTS OF JOYCE BY DIANE EASLEY

As we walk our path of life, we meet people every day, most are chance encounters…but some are sent our way!

Joyce Elaine Bostic was sent my way in 2004 at Bethel United Methodist Church.

Explain how our friendship began.

As a Bethel member she…

Joined the hospitability ministry, & helped to coordinate arrangements for special dinners & other church activities. Early on Joyce revealed a special talent for making decorative table centerpieces, & other decorations.

Joined the Bethel Bible Institute, where she attended bible study classes. We always took the same classes together. She also attended Vacation Bible School classes and read her Upper Room daily. Joyce loved her church & she always supported her church in giving & serving others.

When she became disabled after having a stroke I offered to drive her to & from church each Sunday and any church events. Joyce’s mind was still alert even though her body had weakened. She never complained. She always enjoyed the Women’s Fellowship Outing. If I came alone to a church event, everyone would ask “Where’s Joyce” or “How’s Joyce”?

We were a Bethel duo!!!

Church Member, cont’d

Joyce was committed to attending church every Sunday when her health permitted. Even when I felt like attending “Mattress Methodist”---Joyce was my inspiration to get up and go. She was always dressed, on-time, standing in her garage, waiting for my arrival. For several years she took pride in the fact that she had not missed one Sunday during the year. If I couldn’t take her, Patricia Thomas or another church member would!

Joyce always expressed & showed compassion for her Bethel family.

Ann Jordan kept her supplied with cards for all occasions, & she sent these cards for sympathy, get-well, etc.--SHOW Your 60th Birthday Card w/Dimes in the shape of 60.

Joyce had her own “Spiritual Seat” at Bethel ---Left-side, 5 rows

down, end seat. She claimed she couldn’t sing, but had me hold the hymnal so she could see all the words & we would smile at each other as she moved her head to the music. Clyde Lord & myself would help her get up & down during church services, but by the time we got to the scripture, Joyce was tired. I would sit next to her & hold the Bible; and once the sermon started, Joyce brought out her candy, & we would sit there & eat candy together.

AKA & Delta—Joyce was an AKA and I am a Delta. When she wore

RED I would tell how pretty she looked…even though we were not Sorority Sisters, we will always be sisters in Christ.

So now Bethel members when you ask me—“Where’s Joyce or

How’s Joyce”, I can say with assurance Joyce is doing fine. She is in her eternal “Spiritual Seat” with her Heavenly Father.

THANK YOU

Please make donations payable to

Kappa Omega Chapter (AKA)

for the

Joyce Bostic Creative Arts Scholarship Fund

Send to P.O. Box 92727

Atlanta, GA 30314

Within the program a collage was included.

Click here to view.