Joyce Elaine Taylor Moten

On Thursday, August 29, 2024, Pastor Joyce Elaine Taylor Moten, age 73, of Laurel, Maryland, passed away and gracefully boarded the train to glory. Born in Washington, D.C., on June 27, 1951, to Weldon and Odessa Taylor, Joyce's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with purpose, passion, and profound love for others.

From a young age, Joyce was known for her inquisitive nature and love of learning. She excelled academically, graduating from McKinley Tech Senior High School as a National Merit Scholar before attending DC Teachers College (now the University of the District of Columbia). Her intellectual journey continued with an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities in 2012, and just last year, at age 72, she proudly earned a Certificate in Foundations of Business from the University of Maryland. Joyce’s sharp mind and photographic memory allowed her to master anything she set her heart on, a gift she used to bless everyone she encountered.

Joyce was married to the late Lawrence E. Moten Jr. Together, they had two daughters, Lauresa Moten-Wigfall and Lauren Moten-Jones, who were the pride of Joyce’s life. Her family was her treasure, and she was the bedrock of strength, wisdom, and love to all who knew her.

Throughout her career, Joyce worked at PEPCO and Xerox Corporation. Yet her greatest work began after retiring, when she transitioned into full-time ministry, dedicating herself to caring for others, just as she had tenderly cared for her father during his illness. Joyce’s faith journey began at Franklin P. Nash United Methodist Church, guided by her mother’s unwavering dedication. After receiving Christ as her Savior in 1987, Joyce’s life became a beacon of God’s love. Under the mentorship of Bishop Janie Carr and Evangelist Mary Price, she blossomed into a dynamic servant, teaching Sunday School, directing choirs, leading worship, and serving as the Pastor’s Secretary at Christian Outreach Center of Deliverance.

In 1989, Joyce answered the call to preach, embarking on a lifelong journey that took her across the country. She became a licensed minister at Progressive Pentecostal Baptist Church, and in 1991, she founded Greater Horizons in Faith Ministries, Inc., through which she helped establish churches and ministries across the East Coast. Joyce’s gift for leadership and her innovative spirit made her a sought-after consultant for churches and nonprofits, helping them grow and flourish.

In 1996, Joyce followed the Holy Spirit’s call to Los Angeles, California, where she became a dedicated member of City of Refuge under the leadership of Bishop Noel Jones. There, she served as an Associate Pastor, Executive Director of the COR Rescue Outreach Ministry, and a cherished leader of countless souls in need of hope and guidance.

Joyce was a woman of many gifts—her ministry reached beyond the pulpit. She was an accomplished seamstress, designer, and artist. Whether she was sewing wedding gowns, designing worship garments, or transforming simple materials into elegant creations, her creativity knew no bounds. From her early days making doll clothes and purses out of oatmeal boxes with her mother to designing costumes for productions, Joyce saw beauty in everything and everyone.

Her heart for children was perhaps one of her most beloved ministries. As "Halley Luyah Luv," a joyful Christian clown, Joyce used storytelling, teaching, and music to share God’s love with children. She authored several children’s books, including My Name is Halley Luyah Luv and Bonita the Beautiful Caterpillar, leaving a legacy of faith-filled joy for generations to come.

Joyce’s spirit was one of undeniable charisma. She could light up any room with her presence—her laughter, her stories, her wisdom. If you handed her a microphone, it was certain she’d use it to uplift, inspire, and share the message of Christ’s love. Whether through her eloquent sermons, her heartfelt poetry, or a spontaneous rap battle with her grandchildren, Joyce’s energy and passion for life were contagious.

Family and friends meant everything to Joyce. She spent her time making connections, researching, and exploring her family history. She loved PBS, Finding Your Roots, and took finding her and her family’s roots seriously. Joyce cherished the Christmas season, which reminded her of special times with her mother, father, and brother. We will miss watching her favorite movies with her, such as Ben-Hur, The Ten Commandments, Imitation of Life, and It’s a Wonderful Life.

Joyce's magnetic presence extended far beyond the pulpit and into every aspect of her life. While she captivated audiences with her vibrant personality, her heart was firmly rooted in her deep love for family and friends.

To those who had the honor of knowing her, Joyce was much more than a pastor or a preacher—she was a mother,grandmother, mentor, friend, and a servant of God whose life was a living testament to grace, resilience, and boundless creativity. She leaves behind a rich legacy of faith, love, and service that will continue to ripple through the lives she touched.

As she now rests in the arms of the Savior she so deeply loved, we celebrate her extraordinary life, knowing that her voice, her heart, and her impact will never be forgotten.