Joy Ann Willmouth Tonry departed this life into God’s presence on January 7, 2026, at the age of 75. She was born on February 3, 1950, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Lloyd and Mable Cordes Willmouth and grew up in the St. Roch neighborhood.
After graduating from high school, Joy pursued a career in the legal field, working as a legal secretary. She made St. Bernard Parish her home for most of her adult life before retiring to Lumberton, Mississippi.
Retirement allowed Joy to enjoy the things she loved most. She took pride in her garden and in maintaining her property, often spending time watching hummingbirds and her dogs at play.
Reading, cross-stitching, and watching Wheel of Fortune were part of her daily routine. Holidays, especially Christmas, were important to her, and she enjoyed welcoming family and friends into her home. Her cooking and homemade desserts were always enjoyed.
Joy will be remembered for her kindness and her love for family and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of twenty-five years, Richard Tonry; her brother, Ronnie (Lilly) Willmouth; and her sister, Judy (Bob) Pajares.
Left to forever cherish her memory are her sisters, Susan (Norman) Guidry and Pamela (Clint) Willmouth; her nieces and nephews, Kim (Johnny) Gagliano, Richard (Norma) Phillips II, Karen (Andy) Glasgow, Robert (Sophie) Phillips, Robin Guidry, and Chasity (Erin) Willmouth; and her great-niece and great-nephews, Elizabeth (Ross) Perez, Rhett Estave, Reece Guidry, extended family and dear friends.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 PM on February 14, 2026, at the Ben Barrett Center in Lumberton. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Humane Society or your local SPCA.
