Dear Family and Friends,

It is with a very heavy heart writing this post.  Mom, Joy, passed away peacefully after being in the hospital for over 3 weeks. She fought hard and courageously in the ICU, battling Covid.  She was the Rock of our family, leaving behind a very big void. Joy was a wonderful wife, mom, a loving and amazing grandma, and a fun and unforgettable friend.  Her name Joy really represented who she was—blessed with a beautiful personality, she always made everyone feel special.  Her easy, gentle, fun and caring personality was why she was loved by many throughout the years. 

When we broke the news to the our kids that their Grammy went to heaven, we reminded them that God can use even tragedy for good.  Mom would not want us to dwell on losing her.  She would not want us to be angry or continue to be sad.  Instead, Mom would want us to share all the good memories with each other, love one another, and end each goodbye with a deep heartfelt hug (just like she always did).  Mom was wonderful at lifting people up in difficult times and could be a strangers best friend in minutes because they felt her heart.

Our family lost the matriarch of the Watkins family and we are all very heartbroken, but we know she is in heaven with our holy father.  Thank you to ALL for the prayers for Joy.  Our family is beyond grateful.

1 Peter 1:6-8 reminds us to choose joy, even during the most difficult trials.  Mom always chose to look at the positive.  So we can honor her by following God’s word.

We hope to continue to show others what you taught each of us!  We love you Mom. 

-The Watkins Family