Bereavement and Homegoing

Joy Lynne Poindexter was born in Palmyra, New Jersey, to Thelma Johnson Stanford and John O. Poindexter Jr. on January 4th, 1955. She peacefully entered eternal rest after an extended illness and earned her heavenly wings on Monday, March 11th, 2024.

Joy was baptized at an early age and became a member of Little Ark Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. John W. Chapman Sr. Growing up, she enjoyed singing with her sister and her cousins at home and church. She attended school in King George, VA, and furthered her studies at Maple Springs Bible College and Seminary.

Though Joy began her career in government, she later found her passion in the private legal sector and had an enduring career in that field until retirement. Post-retirement, she re-entered the workforce as an Office Manager of a law firm, servicing the citizens of Prince Georges County, Maryland. In October of 2023, she joined the Rebecca Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and served as their Chapter Chaplain.

Joy received her call to Ministry in 2013, where she presented her trial sermon at Tenth Street Baptist Church. There, she served under the leadership of Pastor A.C. Durant for many years. Later, she joined Little Zion Baptist Church in Colonial Beach, VA, under the leadership of Pastor Earl T. Howerton Jr. There, she participated in many ministries, including leading the Singles Ministry, assisting the Prison Ministry, and teaching Sunday school. She eventually returned to Tenth Street Baptist Church, where she was a member until she was called home.

Joy loved the Lord above all and spent many hours studying the Bible and seeking ways to share it with others in need. She was always ready with a Bible verse and compassion when people needed encouragement and prayer. She was a very affectionate person and frequently gave nicknames to those that she loved dearly.

Joy sought beauty in all forms. She was a fashionista and was never seen wearing anything that wasn’t considered the best. She always wore high heels and had enough hats to rival her mother. She loved to hand dance and, more than anyone else, cherished her children and grandchildren.

Joy was preceded in death by her mother, Thelma “Momma” Stanford, biological father, John O. Poindexter Jr., and stepfather, Harold “Pop-pop” Stanford. She is survived by her ex-husband and love of her life, Reginald “Sweet-Patootie” Clay Sr., along with the children from their union: Reginald “Junior” Clay Jr., Chauntisse “Daughter” Foster, Andre “Dre” Clay and Nicole “Cookie” Miller (John); her grandchildren Tyler, Taylor, Ajyah, Elijah, Olivia, Sam and Alexander; her siblings, John “Johnny” Poindexter III, Constance “Fluffy/Connie” Byrd (Gerald), David “Baby Brother” Poindexter, and Janice “Punkin” Williams (Gregory), along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. She also leaves behind special loved ones that she considered to be her family members.

Greetings Metropolitan Family,

Please keep Mr. Reginald Clay, Nicole and Andre Clay and Rev. Georgia Clay Davis and Family
lifted in your prayers in the passing of their beloved Minister Joy Poindexter.

Final arrangements for Minister Joy Poindexter:

Celebration of Life Service
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Tenth Street Baptist Church
1000 R St NW
Washington, DC 20001

Viewing: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Eastern Star Service: 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Homegoing Service: 11:00 a.m.