Born in 1923, Joyce (known as Joy) came up to St Anne’s in October 1942 to read for a BA in English Language and Literature. However, she was only initially able to come for one year due to the regulations of the Registration for Employment Order that meant that she needed to undertake war work. In December 1943, Joy wrote to Eleanor Plumer to confirm that she had joined the Wrens (the Women’s Royal Naval Service), where she first worked mending and servicing aircraft, and then as a Plotter, in Liverpool, recording the movement of shipping and occasionally aircraft. Joy was eventually demobilised in April 1946 and re-joined St Anne’s for the summer term on a scholarship. She married Ray Flint on 9 September 1947; St Anne’s often let Ray use the books in the Geldart Room in the Library. They had one daughter, Kate (St Anne’s 1973-76). After a short period of graduate work, Joy worked as an Examiner of O and A level English, eventually becoming Chief Examiner in English for the Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations. She regularly prepared students for Oxford and Cambridge University Entrance examinations, and published an edition of Thomas Hood’s poems for Carcanet Press.
Joy was appointed a Johnson Honorary Fellow by St Anne’s Governing Body in 2011 in recognition of her incredibly generous support of the College. She passed away on 28 November 2018. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time.
Joy’s funeral will take place in the West Chapel, Putney Vale Crematorium, at 2.30 pm on Friday 14 December, to be followed by refreshments in the family home.