Joyce Harris was born on 4th (?) October 1919 and was educated at Johannesburg Girls' High School and WITS University where she qualified in Social Work. She worked, for many years for Home and School Council. She was a founder Member of the Black Sash and became National President in 1978. She wrote many articles, press statements and letters to the press protesting about social injustice and discriminatory legislation. Many of her letters were signed by other Black Sash office-bearers such as Jean Sinclair. She corresponded with politicians and others and prepared papers on topics of political interest. She emigrated to Canada in 1991.