Joy Stephens

In Loving Memory of JOY STEPHENS

Joy M. Stephens was 95 when she died on December 19, 2023. Born, Joyce Fay Munden to Ila Hill Munden and Raymond Munden, Sr. on September 6, 1928 in Weatherford, Texas. Joy married O. B. Stephens, Jr. on September 13, 1948 in Abilene.

Joy attended Abilene High School and Texas Tech University. Joy was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest and was a member of the Altar Guild where she served as Chairwoman.

Together, Joy and O.B. loved life and traveling. On ski slopes, tennis courts, and countless hikes, she journeyed 1 million miles.

Joy held many titles - a devoted wife, virtuous mother, loving grandmother, and a proud great grandmother. Her home was the hub of family reunions, her kitchen the epicenter of many fond memories. Joy was the quintessential ethical compass for her family. Firmly rooted in her Christian faith, she provided many generations a clear path.

To remember Joy, she was brimful of energy, 5 foot two, twinkling eyes of blue, classy, and most importantly, the heart of her family. A lifetime of memories, laughter, love, wisdom and faith wrapped up this little woman of incredible vitality.

Joy was preceded in death by her husband, O. B. Stephens, Jr., her parents, Ila and Raymond Munden, Sr. and her brother, Raymond Munden, Jr.

She is survived by her children, Brad (Melinda), Gary (Jenna) and Jan (Alan); her grandchildren, Jennifer, Lauren (Austin), Jeffrey (Tara), Michael (Sally), Ford, Brian (Amy), Stephanie (Eric), Max, Jack, Ashley (Tyler), Alexandra (Max) and Sam (Kacey); great grandchildren, Baylor, Emma, Abbey, Lillian, Seay, Jake, Clark, Grace, Holt, Ellington, Emerson, Maggie, Ben, Harrison, Haylee, Cody, August, Adelyn and Oliver.

The family would like to thank her helpers and caregivers over her last years, along with her primary physician, Shannon Polone PA.

In honor of Joy, a private family service was held on January 16, 2024, officiated by David Romanik, Rector, Church of the Heavenly Rest.