Joy Kleck Crews

Growing up in Phoenix, the only daughter in a household with four brothers, Joy developed a firm resolve she would carry with grace throughout her life. The Arizona desert enchanted her, but, as she was a voracious reader, Joy dreamed of seeing the world beyond her home.

Joy and Nelson, “pals” since childhood, had exchanged affectionate wartime letters but it was Joy’s version of “Claire de Lune” on the piano that sealed the deal for Nelson. They began a long and happy marriage in August of 1945 in Phoenix. The young couple soon moved to New Orleans to complete their college educations and raise a family. Joy had attended Stephen’s College in Columbia, Missouri and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Sophie Newcomb College.

Their New Orleans home and the weekend ranch house in Folsom, Louisiana reflected Joy’s progressive design skills. An early home, where she had taken on “an old house that was a challenge to modern living”, was featured in the Times Picayune newspaper. Weekends in Folsom offered memorable times for Joy, her family, and the many New Orleans friends who embraced the Crews family’s ranch life.

In 1975, Nelson’s business took them to Houston where they lived for almost forty years. Nelson’s career called for a lot of travel and occasionally Joy accompanied him to Europe, Asia and even to Alaska for a salmon fishing trip. She and her children travelled throughout Europe where Joy exposed them to the treasures and cultures that surrounded them.

Joy appreciated the beauty of nature, interior design, art, classical music and ballet. She insisted on everything being just right and to be aesthetically pleasing to her fine eye. From the design of her home to her wardrobe, everything was beautifully appointed and chosen with care. Many were influenced by her tasteful observations as she opened visual worlds to family and friends alike.

Joy and Nelson eventually bought a vacation home in Santa Fe where they enjoyed many of the later years of their remarkable marriage under a New Mexican sky, often with family. Joy was active in many organizations in both New Orleans and Houston, including PEO (sixty years), DAR, UDC, Colonial Dames of 1812, and the River Oaks Rose Club. In New Orleans, she volunteered for the symphony, was active in Church Circle at St. Charles Presbyterian and instrumental in the formation of the docent program at the Delgado Museum of Art (NOMA). Joy was proud of her long lineage that reaches back to 1750 from Scotland and Ireland.

Joy was beautiful, generous and a true lady whose gracious ways left loving impressions on everyone who came into contact with her. She cared deeply for her family, her friends and even casual acquaintances. Joy went out of her way to be kind to others.

We are so grateful for her time with us, our Mom, our Joy, and our GrandJoy.

The family would like to express special thanks to the staff at Brookdale Northwest Hills, Hospice Austin for their gentle touch, especially Valerie Simms, Pamela Brouker and Judy Schultz. Nancy Kapsner and Dalisa Gorthey for their angelic caregiving and to Jeanne and Ron Isaacson for their friendship. In Houston, many thanks to the loving caregiving of Ana, Eme, and Abby.

Joy was preceded in death by her husband of sixty years, Robert Nelson Crews. She is survived by her children, Robert “Robin” Nelson Crews, Jr.(Joslyn), Elizabeth Crews Rommel (Van) and Lesley Crews Dyer (Michael); and her four grandchildren, Mia Rommel, Alison Wroblewski (Jeff),William Rommel, and Caroline Crews. In Arizona, she is survived by her brother, Rodney Kleck (Donna); sister-in-laws, Betty Kleck and Ruth Cosgrove; and an extended family.

The memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 22nd of April, in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 5300 Main Street in Houston, where Michael Homan, Associate Pastor, is to officiate.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the nearby Solarium

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice Austin, www.hospiceaustin.org.