Biography: Joyce M. Fleming was born on August 28, 1933, in Jacksonville, Florida, to the late Ella Peyton and Willie Fleming. She was the youngest of three children with an older brother and sister.  Joyce was a track star during her youth, being courted by many to run for their club. 

In the 1940’s, Joyce moved to New York City with her parents.  She was educated in the New York City school system and ultimately secured

employment as a home health aide with Local 1199/SEIU.  During her work life, she cared for learning disabled adults.  She was naturally gifted to show care and concern for those who were infirm.  When her mother and two of her grand uncles became ill, Joyce used her skills to provide loving care for them until their demise.  While in New York, Joyce encountered an

industrious young man named Melvin McKinley. They loved one another and were married.  This union produced three children (Sharon, Melvin, Jr. and Arnitta) and was only interrupted by Melvin, Sr. 's passing in 1991.  

Joyce loved to travel, often going on cruises and regular trips to Atlantic City.  Her companions were Melvin, Sr., her cousins and other family members.  As she got older, she would travel with Arnitta to various locations.   

She had a passion for cooking and hosted many family gatherings, whether planned or impromptu.  According to her granddaughter, Joyce “put her

ankle into the food she cooked.”  If you were eating her food, you could taste the love with which it was prepared. 

While Joyce enjoyed cooking, she loved nothing more than her family. The care she demonstrated for her children, grandchildren and great grands was exemplary.  Even though she was very direct and often chose not to use a filter with her family, there was little she wouldn’t do for them as they lit up her life.   

After an extended illness, Joyce McKinley entered into her eternal rest on August 12, 2023.  Left behind to cherish her memory are her daughter Arnitta McKinley and stepson Sidney Holyfield (Melva), her grandchildren, Ackeem McKinley, Denise McKinley, Quanya McKinley-Grant (Andre), and Nicole McKinley, great grandchildren Nyrese, Amari, Tiana, Kiyani, Aaron, John, Kelis, Dante, Julia, and Alani, and a host of family members and friends too numerous to list.