Joy Walkingstick Couch

Joy Walkingstick Couch, age 96, passed away on Friday, March 17, 2023. She was born on August 15, 1926 in Syracuse, NY, to Simon and Margaret Walkingstick. She grew up in Shawnee, OK until age 10 when they moved back to Syracuse. She graduated from Syracuse Central High School, and then attended the University of Oklahoma and majored in art. She married the love of her life, Dawson W. Couch on June 5, 1947. They lived primarily in Syracuse, but also lived in Norman, OK, and Villas, New Jersey after Dawson's retirement from General Electric. They were together until his passing in 2003. They never had children, but Joy was a really beloved aunt to many. She was a dedicated wife and caretaker to Dawson, who was handicapped, and she took very good care of him. Joy was a Girl Scout leader for many years, and was proud to get to take her girls to Europe on one trip. She was a very talented artist, and enjoyed beadwork, fine arts, and most of all ceramics. She really loved teaching art to other adults. Joy was an Elder of the Cherokee Nation, and was extremely proud of her heritage, making sure to use her maiden name of Walkingstick whenever she could. Joy was very loved by her family and will be greatly missed. Joy is preceded in death by her parents, Simon and Margaret Walkingstick; two brothers, Sy Walkingstick and Charles Walkingstick; and a sister, Betty Walkingstick Theobald. She is survived by her sister, Kay Walkingstick Bach of Easton, Pennsylvania; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Per Joy's wishes, no funeral services are being held, but fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eisenhourfuneral.com for the family.