Joy Ruth Young, age 83, passed away on May 25, 2018 in the Peachtree Hospice unit of Sparks Regional Medical Center. Born in Franklin County, she was the daughter of the late Auther Miller and Rella Swaim of Altus, Arkansas.
Joy is preceded in death by her husband, Bill F. Young; and her sisters, Pauline Duncan and Paula Middleton.
She is survived by her two sons and their wives, Ricky and Barbara Young, and Chris and Erin Young; by her daughter and husband, Lynn and Tim Bland; as well as eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her oldest and most faithful best friend, Euna Cherry.
Joy was a devoted wife to her policeman husband, Bill. She served for many years in the Fort Smith Police Department Ladies’ Auxillary, an organization that supports officers, their families, and the community. Most of all, Joy loved being a wife, homemaker, mother, and grandmother. She juggled all of these jobs expertly and with ease. Everyone was welcome at her supper table. Her children grew up with a model of her compassion and giving spirit. She also gave to her children a love for music. She always had a stack of albums playing at home. Music was a special gift that lives on through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The term “never met a stranger” fit Joy perfectly. When you were introduced to her, she would want to know all about you, and you became an instant friend. She was a friend that everyone would love to have because she treated her friends like family. Joy was also a dog lover; the lucky ones that landed in her arms lived like royalty. She leaves behind her beloved dog, Tucker.
All those who love Joy already miss her and have a hole in our hearts, but we know she is in a place far better than her earthly home.
Pall Bearers will be Jacob Bland, Kirby Bland, Josh Brown, Alfie Barter, Seth Longoria, and Robert Cherry.
Visitation will be Tuesday, May 29, at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 North 12th Street in Fort Smith from 5:00-7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at Edwards Funeral Home Wednesday, May 30, at 2:00 pm followed by burial at Roselawn Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
To sign an online guestbook, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
