Joy Day Wiley

Joy Day Wiley, age 93, of Annapolis, Maryland, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2024. She was happily married for over 70 years to Robert Craig Wiley (Bob) who passed away in 2022. She is survived by her children, Tricia Lyddane (Tim) of Annapolis; Bill Wiley (Betsy) of Annapolis; Susan Moore of Virginia; 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Joy grew up in Texas with her parents Roger Clayton Day and Ada Arrington Day. She was a twin and the youngest of five siblings. She married Bob Wiley on September 29, 1951. As they started their married life, Bob was in graduate school, and they lived in Oregon which Joy called “God’s country.” Later they moved to College Park, Maryland, where Bob was a full professor at the University of Maryland for over forty years. Joy was an avid fan of Maryland basketball and football teams. She was also involved in University of Maryland Campus Club, Bridge Club, Garden Club, and the Horticulture Department camping trips. She was an active participant in her community, neighborhood, and church.

Joy was a dedicated stay-at-home mom. She was a talented seamstress and her gourmet meals brought together loved ones around the table. Joy and her sister, Louise, shared a deep passion for needlework, taking numerous classes and workshops together. Joy spent countless hours stitching intricate designs that reflected her creativity and attention to detail. Her needlework adorned the homes of her loved ones and friends, serving as tangible reminders of her talent and affection. She was also a proficient knitter, making hundreds of little hats for newborn babies at Anne Arundel Hospital.

When Joy and Bob were in their sixties, they built their dream home in a beautiful, wooded forest in Lothian, Maryland. They became active members of the St. James Episcopal Church. For years Joy and Bob had the luxury of traveling and learning by immersing themselves in foreign cultures through their extended stays in Europe. They spent many summers in one of their favorite places, Avignon, France.

For the last eight years, Joy lived in the Ginger Cove community in Annapolis. She had many friends there and enjoyed continuing her needlework, playing bridge, and sharing dinners with friends. Her presence brought warmth and light, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her.

Our family has many cherished memories of our times together and she is greatly missed.

Donations in memory of Joy Wiley may be made to the Endowment for Employee Scholarship c/o Ginger Cove Foundation.

A memorial service for Joy will be held Friday, March 1, 2024 at 10 AM in Ginger Cove (Friendship Hall), 4000 River Crescent Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401. Following the memorial service there will be a reception from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Ginger Cove (Friendship Hall).