Joyce A. Boyd Bourne, a determined public servant and proud advocate for the Gordon Heights community, passed away at the age of 80. A resident of Brookhaven Town for two decades, Bourne will be remembered for her sharp mind, quiet strength, and tireless efforts to reduce the tax burden on her neighbors while preserving the integrity of Long Island’s first all-Black fire district.
Originally from Hempstead, Bourne moved to Gordon Heights in 2001 and quickly immersed herself in local affairs. She was elected fire commissioner in 2011 after a decisive victory at the polls, part of a wave of reform-minded leadership aimed at reining in spending in one of the state's most heavily taxed fire districts. Bourne served with distinction for more than a decade and was in her third five-year term at the time of her passing.
“Joyce was insightful and fair—someone who could bring people together even during difficult times,” said longtime Gordon Heights resident Rosalie Hanson. “At one meeting, both sides of a heated debate actually stood up and clapped for her. That’s the kind of respect she earned. Even at the height of the battle, everybody listened to her.”
Working alongside her fellow “tax-fighting” commissioners, Bourne helped secure several grants, including a $250,000 award with the help of Senator Kenneth LaValle, to renovate and improve the Gordon Heights Firehouse. Her leadership brought tangible relief to taxpayers and lasting improvements to the district’s infrastructure.
Before serving in public office, Bourne lived a life rooted in civic purpose. Born in the South, she marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement, a formative experience that shaped her commitment to justice and community. In recognition of her lifelong dedication, Brookhaven named her a “Woman of Distinction” in recent years.
“She had a heart for service and a mind full of wisdom,” Hanson added. “Joyce didn’t need a title to make a difference. But once she had one, she used it to lift up others.”
Belived by many in the community who considered her a mentor and friend, Joyce is survived by her sons, Curry Bourne and his wife, Leslie, and Sean Bourne. A memorial service was held at St. Mary’s AME Church on Granny Road in Medford, followed by a repast at the Gordon Heights Fire Department—a fitting tribute to the very building she worked so hard to preserve.
In a district that has weathered its share of controversy and change, Joyce Bourne stood as a symbol of integrity, wisdom, and community-first leadership. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her impact will endure.