The woman was murdered by a member of her extremely private church, Shohfah El-Israel, who attended the Israel United In Christ church in Ilford, East London.
Police were called by a member of the public at 7.43am on Saturday 5th October to report they had found what they suspected to be a human body in Stevenage.
The body was found in woodland off Chadwell Road, just outside of an area previously searched by officers.
Joy was last seen in Ilford on 26th December 2018 at a church party and in August this year, Shohfah El-Israel, 40, was found guilty of her murder.
He is currently serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 17 years.
A post-mortem carried out on Tuesday could not establish the cause of death and further tests will be carried out.
Detective Chief Inspector Justine Jenkins, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: "My thoughts are with Joy's family at this difficult time and while nothing can end their pain, I hope that this gives them closure and I am glad that they will now have the opportunity to say goodbye to Joy."
Carol Morgan, Joy's mum, said: "Joy was so beautiful and completely lived up to her name - she brought joy to all our lives. Our family has been living a nightmare and we miss her so, so much. Joy was studying to be a midwife and would have graduated by now. I know she would have been amazing as a midwife. I was so proud of her and I always will be. She was our star."
Joy's family have requested for privacy at this difficult time
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