Joyce Elaine (Thompson) Gaskins

Dateline: Fayetteville

Ms. Joyce Elaine Gaskins, 69, of Fayetteville, NC transitioned to Paradise on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at home surrounded by loved ones.

Joyce was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on February 17, 1949 to the late Garland and Doris Thompson. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Tunisa “X” Smith, granddaughter, Alana Smith, siblings Barbara Ann Thompson, Earl “X” Thompson, Mamie Ruth Mitchell, Thelma Helen Washington, Daniel Thompson and Gaylord Thompson.

She is survived by her sons: Antonio “X” Thompson (Debbie) of Newport News, VA; Omar “X” Smith (Rayann), Bobby “X” Smith (Jaqueline), Allah Smith (Christian), Nicole Glover (God daughter) all of San Diego, CA., and Rassoul “X” Smith (Mitchell) of Fayetteville;  grandchildren: Sade, Yancey, Chantell, Alonzo, Jawaine, Alyssa, Omar Jr., Marcus, Jeurney, Allah Jr., London. and Aabrye; her siblings: Bishop Garland Thompson, Jr. of Raleigh, NC; Minister Doris Jean Walker (Leon) of Hampton, VA, Bernice Sight of Atlanta, GA, Delores Black of San Diego, CA, Ruby Crawford of Tampa, Fl. and Hakima Muhammad of Newport News VA., and a host of extended family members.

At age 20 she accepted Allah, the one and only God in Islam on her own and joined the Nation of Islam under the leadership of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad where she received her “X” and became known as Sister Joyce 3X Gaskins. During this time her training began with the Nation of Islam MGT (Muslim Girls Training) & GCC (General Civilization Class) in Norfolk, Virginia.

Sister Joyce was a highly disciplined and spiritual person having strong sensitivity who believed in the resurrection, uplifting and the betterment in the plight of black people. Sister Joyce was a devote believer who lived by the teachings under the current leadership of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, National Representative of the Nation of Islam.

In 1988 after relocating to San Diego, CA. Sister Joyce went back to college to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at National University. In 2013, she retired as a Supervisor in the San Diego County Probation Department (SDCPD) ending a distinguished career with many accomplishments. She was recognized by the (SDCPD) for being a model of leadership and teamwork for staff and peers.  2002 Exemplary Service Award, 2006 Chief’s Award, 2011 Leadership Award. After retirement she moved to Fayetteville accompanied by one of her sons to be close to her family. Sister Joyce will be missed greatly by her family and all who knew her.

The family will receive friends between the hours of 6:00 and 9:00 PM, Sunday, December 9, 2018 at LaFayette Funeral Home, 6651 Raeford Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28304.

Muslim Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 PM Monday, December 10, 2018 at LaFayette Funeral Home with Student Minister Amon Muhammad, Durham Representative of Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.

Burial will follow in Northside Cemetery in Fayetteville.

Arrangements for the family are entrusted to LaFayette Funeral Home, 6651 Raeford Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28304. On-line condolences may be made at www.lafayettefh.com.