Joyce Barlow "Bay Bay"

Joyce Evlyn (Murdock) Barlow, affectionately known as “Bay Bay” by her childhood friends and family, transitioned on July 21, 2023, surrounded by her husband Mitchell, her daughters Jaynaya and Bridgett, and her grandchildren Anisa and Julian.

Joyce was born December 15, 1953, in Benton Harbor, MI. She was the only daughter of Julius C. Murdock and Dorothy L. Murdock. As a young girl, she moved to Saginaw, MI, where she attended Houghton Elementary School and Central Junior High. Joyce was a graduate of Saginaw High Class of 1972. She received her bachelor’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University and her master’s degree in social work from Michigan State University. She was a proud Spartan. Joyce married her devoted husband, Mitchell, in 1978 and raised two beautiful, accomplished daughters together.

Joyce accepted Christ at an early age. She was a lifelong member of Bethel AME Church. She held various positions throughout her many years of membership such as assistant Girl Scout troop leader, security, class leader, and was a member of Stewardess Board #2.

She became a member of the Saginaw Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on April 1, 1995.

Joyce was an avid fisher. She enjoyed fishing every chance she had. She also enjoyed traveling to the casino, watching movies, playing cards, and traveling. The highlights of her days were talking to and spending time with her best friend Cheryl Short, who was by her side loving and supporting her to the very end.

Joyce was a hard worker and had a strong maternal instinct at a very early age. Joyce loved loving on people. Throughout the years she touched so many lives. She was a giver and constantly gave of herself, her time, and resources. She truly enhanced the lives of all those who met her.

She worked at American Cleaners and later began her career with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services where she met Mitchell. She began as a secretary and later held various supervisory positions within the Child Welfare System in the Foster Care and Children’s Protective Services Units in Saginaw and Flint. She retired in 2009 after over 30 years of service.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband Mitchell, daughters Jaynaya and Bridgett; grandchildren, Anisa and Julian; brother, Julius C. Murdock Jr.; sisters-in-law Belinda Barlow-Poole and Marilyn Murdock; her best friend, Cheryl Short; special niece, Quinrissa Murdock and her life partner David Goode; special cousins, James (Buddy) Murdock, Ricky Murdock, Jerome Buckley, and Laura (Anne) Valentine; many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and sorority sisters.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Julius C. and Dorothy L. Murdock; brothers, William, Frederick (Marilyn), Jerome, James (Patricia) Murdock, and her grandparents, Verna Ford and Leon Haynes.