Barbara Joynt was born in Charlottesville, VA and grew up on a farm that has been in her family for seven generations. She attended James Madison University where she earned her B.S. in Early Childhood Education. Her love for children and learning led to a teaching career in the Virginia Beach City Public School system for 30 years. During her career she was awarded Reading Teacher of the Year, was a member of Virginia Beach Reading Council, Virginia State Reading Council, and chaired or served on numerous other educational committees. She has continued her education at Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University and University of Virginia.
Barbara and her husband Tom formed Pembroke Finance Incorporated in 1991 and own a car dealership in Virginia Beach. The couple has one son, Tom, who is active in the family business and a granddaughter, Sydney. The Joynts reside in Virginia Beach and Barbara continues to manage the family farm in Charlottesville.