Obituary of Joicey Granados

JOICEY WHITE GRANADOS

Joicey was born Joicey Lurane White on April 12, 1936 in Salisbury, North Carolina. At that

time, her father, Douglass White, was Dean of Livingstone College where her mother, Narvie

Purifoy White Larke of Alabama, was a student. Together Narvie and Douglas had two girls,

Joicey and Voncile. Dean White lived only for a few years. Narvie later was remarried to James

Paul Larke, who was ‘Daddy Jimmy’ to Joicey and Voncile. Together they had another

daughter, Paula.

Joicey’s parents— her mother especially—grounded their daughters in the fullness of Christ’s

love, which developed Joicey's faith and her love of culture. Over the years, Joicey nurtured

many lives, assisted those where she could and helped to influence many to aspire to a higher

level of learning and appreciation.

After graduating from Xavier University, Joicey spent an internship in Jamaica at a Catholic high

school for two years. This greatly influenced her love of Caribbean music and culture.

She eventually moved to Washington D.C., where she would remain for the rest of her life.

There she taught in the DC Public School System and at the Washington International School,

inspiring students from all over the world with her passion for global music.

Joicey’s indomitable energy for music and celebration was contagious. She was both a classical

and cultural pianist, equally at home with Beethoven or Cal Tjader. She cherished performing

charanga with her trio, dancing salsa with friends; she inspired many with a passion for African

and Latin cultures.

There was not a more enthusiastic devotee of the Washington Revels than Joicey—both

Christmas and Spring Revels. This was her most treasured experience, expanding her aptitude

for theater performance.

A student and close friend of Joicey’s wrote, "Joicey was my long time piano teacher, but she

was also a good friend and inspiration on living life to her fullest. Whether she was on the salsa

floor, performing with her beloved Washington Revels, or active in the St. Matthew's community,

she loved life, people and brought so much joy to others. She had a huge impact on so many

people, especially the kids she taught at the Washington International School. I was lucky

enough to grab her business card in my early adulthood at Dale Music in the early 2000s. She

taught me music from my heart and I will never forget her.”

Joicey is survived by her sister, Paula Larke and a host of cousins and friends. She was loved

by many and treasured by all who came in her path. She was married briefly to M. Granados.

Contributions can be made in memory of Joicey White Granados to:

BeLoved Ashvelle

%Amy Cartrell

P.O. Box 6386

Ashvile, NC 28828

Washington Revels

https://revelsdc.org/

Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle

1725 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 (see website)

Washington International School

wis.edu/giving

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