Joy Kristin Barrows

Joy Kristin Barrows was born on January 21, 1978 to Frank “Skippy” and Phyllis Barrows in Boston, Massachusetts. She was the youngest of their three children. Raised under the admonition of The Lord, and at a young age she attended Refuge Temple Church, and Faith Fellowship Church. Joy graduated from West Roxbury High School where she met some of her life-long friends.  After high school, Joy went on to earn her Associates Degree from Baystate College.

Joy was a very proud Bostonian and Cape Verdean woman.  She took pride in who she culturally was and loved everything New England. She was known to be beautiful inside and out, but also for her quick-witted comebacks, sharp sense of humor, and down to earth personality.  It was not uncommon for Joy to motivate and support others in their times of need; however, she would also tell you exactly like it is, and did not hold her tongue, much like her father! She valued her life-long friendships and new relationships along the way. She loved get-togethers and engaging in meaningful conversations. Joy had a great sense of style and amongst many things loved fashion, decorating, Caribbean food and Soca dancing. For many years Joy took part in Boston’s West Indian Carnival where she and her friends immersed themselves in the culture. In more recent years, and all while working a full-time job, Joy took on modeling and went back to college; she was just credits shy of earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. She would have graduated in June of 2018.  Always looking to better herself, Joy had many “passion projects” which included crafting of all sorts, a jewelry, sunglass and t-shirt business that she was getting off the ground. She was a gifted writer and enjoyed having fun sharing her opinions, engaging in banter and maintaining her social media sites.

Joy was a hard worker, head strong and very determined to be successful.  She was a very independent woman and by example strived to be luminous for her children, A’Shaila, Xari, Avery and granddaughter, Drew; her greatest accomplishments. No one could ever walk into the room and light up Joy’s heart like Avery and Drew - she was in love! She was very proud of Xari’s endeavors and amazed by his development into a young man. She loved and guided A’Shaila, and was grateful for all of the natural instincts that A’Shaila put in to being Joy’s primary care giver for a time. Avery brought her so much joy and fulfillment. Some of her last words to him was how “sweet and handsome” he was and how she “loved him with all her heart!" Joy loved and bonded with Drew instantly and couldn’t get over her personality, which brought Joy so many laughs and reasons to tell stories. She loved her children and granddaughter dearly and was a very proud mom.  She would always expect for them to be their best in life.

During her final days on earth, Joy sincerely took the time to re-dedicate her life to Christ and received every prayer that was prayed over her.

On Sunday, November 25, 2018, Joy fulfilled her earthly purpose and passed away peacefully in Jacksonville, Florida after a battle with cancer. She was the most courageous, strong, determined to live, and unwavering fighter you would have ever known. The “fight in her” that she set forth is to be admired.

Joy was preceded in death by her father, Frank “Skippy” Barrows.

Joy leaves to celebrate her life, mother, Phyllis Barrows; daughter, A’Shaila Barros; sons, Xari Barros and Avery Williams; granddaughter, Drew Barros; brother, Billy Barrows; sisters, Amy Barros-Wright (Pastor William Wright), Kathy Hodges-Jones and Tiffany Mendes; nephews; William Wright, Isaiah Wright, Jamir Barrows and Jamel Jones; nieces, Kendall Wright, Aaliana Mendes, Nevayah Mendes and Kayla Jones; amidst a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, godchildren, close friends and co-workers.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the family. 

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