Joyce Stanely Johnson

Joyce Bradford Stanley Johnson, a remarkable trailblazer, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and esteemed community leader, passed away on March 19, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on June 17, 1946, at Bellevue Hospital in New York, New York, Joyce was the oldest of five children—and the only daughter—of Columbus Landon Stanley and Dorothy Annette Bradford Stanley.
Joyce attended Poughkeepsie High School and following graduation, she went on to pursue her education at Morgan State University before transferring to Howard University, where she earned a degree in microbiology. Her sharp intellect and tenacity allowed her to forge a dynamic career that spanned multiple sectors.
Beginning as a Management Trainee at Joseph E. Seagram & Sons in Baltimore, Joyce quickly rose through the ranks and broke barriers along the way. She eventually became National Director of Equal Employment Opportunity at Seagram’s corporate office in New York City. In this capacity, she chaired the company’s Minority Affairs Committee, co-founded the Women in Management Committee, and became one of the first minorities to serve on the prestigious Joseph E. Seagram & Sons Political Action Committee.
Following her successful corporate career, Joyce devoted over 30 years to New York City and New York State politics. She ran for public office driven by a desire to make positive change in her community. In 2010, she mounted a passionate campaign for the U.S. Congress; while she did not win, she earned the coveted endorsement of The New York Times. Joyce also served as the Democratic Assembly District Leader for the 69th Assembly District in Manhattan, championing local issues and empowering voters at the grassroots level. Joyce lent her talents to numerous political campaigns for causes and candidates she believed in including serving as the New York State Petition Coordinator and a Field Director for Obama for America in 2008, helping to elect President Barack Obama which earned her an appointment to the Platform Committee at the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
Joyce’s commitment to service extended beyond the political arena. She took on important roles in city government and served as Special Assistant to the Manhattan Borough President and later as the Director of Community Relations for the New York City Comptroller. In the education arena, Joyce was the Executive Assistant to the NYC Schools Chancellor, directing the Office of Business and Community Relations. In each of these positions, she applied her exceptional ability to build bridges between the city government and the community of people it served.
Beyond her official titles, Joyce volunteered her time on numerous boards and committees reflecting causes close to her heart including  Higher Heights for America – championing political empowerment for Black women DiMaggio, Inc. – supporting community and economic development initiatives New York Coalition of 100 Black Women – advocating for Black women’s leadership and equity Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee – supporting women candidates and political leadership and North Manhattan Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – her beloved sorority, where she mentored younger members and fostered sisterhood
Joyce’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Stephanie Renee Johnson Garcia; her “favorite” son-in-law, Melvin Garcia; her treasured grandchildren, Todd Johnson, Cori Lawrence, Devin Lawrence, and Nina Johnson; and her great-grandson, Brixton Keith Lawrence. She is also survived by her devoted brothers, Brian W. Stanley and Kirk L. Stanley, and her “sister from another mister,” Patricia Stevens.  Joyce’s loving spirit lives on in her nieces and nephews, first cousins, family and friends Joyce was preceded in death by her parents and two of her brothers, Charles H. Stanley and Columbus L. Stanley Jr
Joyce Bradford Stanley Johnson’s light and love will forever shine in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Her legacy of compassion, courage, and activism will continue to inspire generations to come.