Joycelyn Elders was born Minnie Lee Jones in Schaal, Arkansas on August 13, 1933. She changed her name to Minnie Joycelyn Lee (later using just Joycelyn). A native of Schall, Arkansas, Dr. Elders is the oldest of eight children. She never saw a physician prior to her first year of college. At the age of 15 she received a scholarship from the United Methodist Church to attend Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas.

In 1952, she received her B.A. in biology from Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. After working as a nurse's aid in a Veterans Administration hospital in Milwaukee for a period, she joined the Army in May, 1953. She spent 3 years in

Dr. Elders is a member of numerous professional organizations and service organization boards.

Not all of Elders's efforts as surgeon general were controversial. She tried to expand the number of certified nurse practitioners and physician assistants to extend health care to poor communities and she also recommended a tax increase on tobacco products.

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