Joy Elaine Wilson, wonderful daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend of many passed away Sunday, January 4, 2009 at the age of 78. She was born to Bill and Amy Sandlin on February 9, 1930 in Nederland and lived there many years before moving to the Beaumont area. Her parents, Amy and Bill Sandlin; and her husband, Jack Chester Wilson preceded her in death.
In her youth, Joy and her sister enjoyed singing for many local organizations and events. She also sang professionally as the vocalist with the George Peglar Orchestra at Pleasure Pier in Port Arthur.
Joy attended Nederland schools graduating from Nederland High School and attended Lamar College. She retired from the local Montgomery Ward Catalog Store as manager. After retirement she loved traveling around the United States with her family in the van she referred to as the “Joy Wagon.” Family gatherings also brought her much happiness throughout her life.
Joy’s strength of character, respect for and kindness toward all people, devotion to her family, and most of all, generosity of her time, wise counsel, and desire to meet the needs of others before her own endeared her to all. Her inspiration and sweet spirit will be missed every day and will never be forgotten.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Gay Lyn Burke and her husband Charles; sons, Gary Wilson and his wife Elizabeth and Marc Wilson and his wife Dorcas; sister, Pat Thompson; brother, Bing Sandlin and his wife Marjorie; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Robert Birdwell and the staff of Texas Oncology in Beaumont, Gina Vandevender; the attending physicians and staff at Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont Hospital Emergency and Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital Cardio ICU and Neuro ICU.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday January 7, 2009 at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont with burial to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches. A gathering of family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at the Mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Bevil Oaks, 7725 Sweet Gum and Westbury, Beaumont, Texas 77713 or to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1131, Fairfax, Virginia 22038.
