Joy Denton

She was born February 10, 1933 in Corpus Christi, Texas to George Elmer and Anna May Davis. Joy grew up in the areas of Corpus Christi and Memphis, Texas as her Father ginned cotton in both locations, depending on the season. Being an exceptionally gifted student, Joy graduated from Memphis High School when she was only 16 years old. On June 11, 1950, Joy married Clarence Denton, who was also from Memphis, Texas. Together they raised three sons: Kyle, Kenneth, and Todd. Mrs. Denton spent most of her adult life in Amarillo, but she also lived in Floydada and Plainview. Joy was married to the love of her life for 66 years before Clarence passed away in 2016. The couple attended Arden Road Baptist Church. Joy was an avid reader, a genealogy researcher, a member of The Society of Mayflower Descendants, and a sports fan. She truly loved serving others. Clarence described it best in a letter written to his sons: “Your Mother was never in the limelight, but she has done more to help organizations and people, one on one, than I ever did. It was one of her callings as a Christian and it takes a special person to do that.”

She is survived by her sons Kenneth Denton and wife Ronda Riley Denton of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Todd Denton and wife D’Aun Denton of Boerne, Texas; 6 grandchildren; 3 (soon to be 4) great-grandchildren; daughter in-law Janis Denton of Amarillo; and her dear friend Elaine LaBaume of Floydada, Texas.

Joy is preceded in death by her loving husband Clarence Denton, son Kyle Denton, and grandson Shane Denton.

She will be missed by both her family and friends.