Joyce Olivia Pinson

On Monday March 13th, 2023 at the age of 84, Joyce Olivia Dawson Pinson passed away. Joyce was a native Washingtonian, born to Benjamin and Elsie Dawson on March 3rd, 1939. Growing up, she had a love for learning and problem solving. She also helped to raise her younger siblings. Joyce graduated from Cardozo senior high school in 1957 and held the title of salutatorian. That same year she married her now ex-husband James Curtis Pinson, and welcomed their only son Sterling Curtis Pinson. She would later go on to adopt her nephew Nile Nu’Man.

Joyce was a stay at home mom for several years before her divorce. Later she worked as a technical draftsman before attending a technical college for computer programming. Although she encountered rejections, she persevered, and eventually landed her dream job as a computer programmer for the D.C. government.

After working for 30 years, Joyce opted to retire early at the age of 50 and travel. She has been to many islands in the Caribbean, several countries in Africa, Dubai, Mexico and South America. Her most memorable trip was her summer-long-cross-country road trip. Her last trip was a cruise to Hawaii in 2017.

Joyce had a love for life, adventure, and the performing arts. She enjoyed skiing and was a member of Black ski. She also enjoyed acting, performing in plays and even a movie, singing and being a member of the Walidane drum club. Joyce was a member of All Saints Unitarian Church for many years where she sang in the choir, prior to becoming a Nichiren Buddhist later in life. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, spreading love and words of wisdom. One of her favorite quotes was “this too shall pass” and although our hearts are heavy “this too shall pass”.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters- Stephany, Sandra and Rhoda; brother Avon; niece Lashon and nephew Dana.

She is survived by her sons- Sterling Pinson and Nile Nu’Man; Her granddaughter- Ashley Samuel; two great grandchildren- Eva and Gael Squires; siblings- Benjamin Dawson, Darrell Dawson and Veronica Briscoe. A host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held in her honor at 3716 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood MD, 20722 on Saturday March 25th from 12pm-4pm.