Joyce Dinkins Belton

Pennington — Joyce Dinkins Belton, a former educator in the Trenton Public School System, passed away quietly on February 10, 2025, in her home after a lengthy illness.  Affectionately known as 
“Boots” to her family and friends, she was a devoted mother, former educator, writer, gifted artist, and plant enthusiast. Joyce loved good food and jazz and was a devoted St. Luke's Episcopal Church member for many years.

Born in 1930 in Trenton, New Jersey, Joyce lived a life full of education and service.  A Trenton Central High School graduate, she would go on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in French from Howard University. During her time there she pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She continued her pursuit of higher-level education at Ohio State University, Wright State University, The University of Pittsburgh, Rider College, and Trenton State College working towards a Master’s in Education Administration.

Inspired by her stepmother, a Trenton Central High School teacher, Joyce would spend over two decades as an educator. Starting at Blairwood Elementary School in Dayton, Ohio. She later moved back to New Jersey where she continued to teach at Washington Elementary School in Trenton, NJ. Joyce’s desire to improve the lives of her students through education would eventually lead her to pursue an administrative role.  She would continue in that role until 1974 when she suffered a devastating stroke. 

Her fighting spirit allowed her to defy the odds. She channeled this spark into a life of service. Throughout her life, she spent countless hours in volunteer service within her community as a Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA), a member of The LINKS, Inc., and Jack & Jill. Inc. She was a longstanding member and served as president of the Mercer County Stroke Club and served on the Board of Directors at St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Hospital in Lawrenceville. NJ. 

Joyce is survived by her children Shahidah Steed, Dayton, OH., Candy Lewis Williams (Phillip) Dayton, OH, Robert D. Lewis Jr., Pennington, NJ, and Stacey M. Belton, Ewing, NJ; grandchildren Troy Moore (Tanaia), Brian Moore, Taheera Shabazz, and Riley Tarver; great-grandchildren, Mason, Manyual, Trinity, Zayah and Kahlil, as well as extended family and devoted friends. 

She is preceded in death by her parents William H. Dinkins Jr., Sarah A. Dinkins, Lottie Lee Dinkins (stepmother), brother, former Mayor of NYC, Hon. David N. Dinkins Sr. (Joyce), and husband Dr. John A. Belton.

Memorial gifts may be made by donating to the American Stroke Association 

 A memorial service for Joyce will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1620 Prospect St., Ewing, NJ. The service will take place on March 22, 2025, at 10:00 am. Hughes Funeral Service, Trenton NJ. has been entrusted with arrangements.

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