Joyce A. White, affectionately known as “Ms. White,” served as the director of the James Lee Community Center in Falls Church for 41 years (1970-2011). She was a key figure in establishing the center as a place for the African American community to grow, gather and learn.

At James Lee, White expanded and implemented many new programs, including creating the senior group the Urbanites, establishing partnerships with groups such as the National Council of Negro Women, serving on the James Lee Advisory Board, developing robust sports and food programs, and advocating for the expansion of the community center to include a commercial kitchen, auditorium, an indoor gym and Computer Clubhouse.

In 2011, she was honored for her lengthy and noteworthy services. Later that year, then-Supervisor Chair Sharon Bulova declared Saturday, July 9 “Joyce White Day,” and NCS renamed the center’s gym the Joyce White Gymnasium in recognition of White’s years of support and dedication to the James Lee community. 

This story is part of NCS Stories - an initiative to preserve and share stories of the persons, places and events that shaped the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services.