Ali, Brenda Joyce Mason (Age 64) of Bowie, Maryland

Brenda Joyce Mason Ali was born on August 31, 1951 in Dillon County, South Carolina to James Fetex Mason and the late Bernice Reeves Mason.

Brenda, who was also affectionately known as "Joyce," attended elementary school in South Carolina. However, her parents ultimately moved to Virginia and she graduated from Hampton High School. Joyce also attended Hampton University, but ultimately graduated from Virginia State University (VSU). She was the first grandchild to graduate from college.

Joyce was employed with Morrison and Foerster LLP as a Legal Administrative Assistant. She also worked as an Administrative Assistant for Committee on Veterans' Affairs, United States Senate.

Joyce had many interests which included College and National Sports, especially the home teams; Jazz music, cooking and baking, and spending time with her grandchildren. Family describe Joyce as a loving, patient, kind, thoughtful and helpful person who they admired for her ability to truly listen, her selflessness, optimism and spirituality.

Words of wisdom from Joyce would include, "Never worry about negative people!" and "Be grateful!" At the core of her heart was family. She was most proud of being able to watch her daughters graduate from College and Graduate School with multiple degrees and the birth of her grandchildren. She also appreciated the love and support from family and friends and the input she received from her daughters and her partner, Horace.

Joyce had a giving spirit and regularly made contributions to impoverished children in third world countries and Children's Hospital.

There are many fun facts about Joyce from her younger years, which include spending time with her grandparents on the farm in Fork, South Carolina; playing softball for Hampton Community all girls team (shortstop) and winning championship; being a majorette in the Junior High School Marching Band; being a member of a local dance group; playing piano, and being President of Youth Choir at First Baptist Church, Newport News, VA; singing for local Jazz Band at family restaurant on weekends; teaching Business part-time at the Washington School for Secretaries; making a commercial and participating in a documentary at VSU; being one of the first blacks bused to a predominately white school, and was taught Business law by the first black judge while at Hampton Institute, now University.

Joyce was loved by her family and will be truly missed.

Left to cherish many fond memories are her daughters, Jamila S. Payton (Robert A. Payton) and Mana K. Ali (Harry L. Carter, III); grandchildren, Robert A., Jr., Jamaal S. and Ayanna J. Payton and Cameron A. Carter; father, James F. Mason; constant companion and partner, Horace Morris, Jr.; extended family, Scerif M. Ali, Bari Sharif, Nasteho Omar, Hani Omar, ShamsaOmar, Nadia Omar, Abdi Omar, and Najma Ali; family members from South Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey and New York, and a host of friends.

Her Viewing will be held from 10am until time of Service 11am on Friday, June 10, 2016 at Christ Kingdom Church, 6809 District Heights Parkway, District Heights, Maryland 20747. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, Maryland.

Arrangements entrusted to Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, MD 20640.

People who share in Joyce's desire to give can send a donation to Children's Hospital at the link https://giving.childrensnational.org/site/Donation2?df_id=7480&7480.donation=form1&s_src=OD7480;s_subsrc=WEB_foundationdesignate

Family and Friends requiring lodging can contact:
Sleep Inn & Suites
9310 Marlboro Pike
Upper Marlboro MD 20772
Phone: (240) 348-6119