During her formative years she attended public schools of East Baton Rouge Parish and graduated from Southern University Laboratory School, Class of 1967. On August 3, 1968 she married the love of her life Charlie Hampton, Jr., whom she affectionately called “Hamp,” at the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Her devoted husband and best friend kept his promise to love, cherish, and take care of her until death. He did this lovingly and patiently for thirty-eight years. Their marriage was blessed with five wonderful sons. Joy was employed with the City of Seattle for over 17 years and was an active member of the Southeast Chapter of Blacks In Government in Seattle, WA. Joy and her husband were life time members of Blacks In Government and actively involved in its activities regionally and nationally.

She loved spending time with her friends at “the City” and her fellow Blacks In Government members.