Martha Joy Horn

From simple beginnings in small town Tennessee, Joy picked cotton as a girl and even remembered not having electricity in their home because it wasn’t even available. Perhaps those early years prepared her to become a resilient fighter, devoted friend and most importantly caring mother and grandmother.

Fortunately, she didn’t have to work very hard to find and marry the love of her life at just 18 years old. Joy and James Ed enjoyed a long and happy marriage just shy of 50 years and raised two children in Memphis, TN. They enjoyed attending church with many friends at Ridgeway Baptist and later as members of Germantown Baptist Church. Traveling to new places and finding new adventures was always a favorite pastime. But most importantly, it was doing things together. She considered him her true soul mate.

In her free time, Joy loved a wide range of music, even though she didn’t consider herself an innately musical person. She found delight singing in the church choir with her husband and daughter. But, not one to sing very loudly for fear she might be heard, Joy was even given the first ever “Best Lip Sync” award at the annual Christmas party. Her love of music transcended almost every genre including classical at the Schermerhorn Symphony, various performances at GPAC, the Orpheum for a classic broadway musical, country, and of course gospel and contemporary christian greats. A recent concert to see CeCe Winans stood out as a favorite. She even attended her first “Rock and Roll” concert in her 50s, where she was selected to sit on the front row with her daughter. Joy danced the night away with the best of them, exhibiting the true spirit of a red head and cementing her legacy that she was always on board to try new things and experiences.

She was also very fond of trying new restaurants, especially those with a beautiful presentation of the meal. Joy most appreciated just having fellowship with those she loved, but most importantly special times with her grandchildren. If you were fortunate enough to know her, you knew she was generous with her time and support. She never refused a phone call from one in need, and often served as the unofficial Uber driver for friends who needed help with appointments and such. Other interests included water skiing in earlier years, walking with neighbors, camping with family, studying the Bible with her ladies’ group, reading a good book, collecting a treasure of sparkly throw pillows, relaxing on her back patio garden, and of course going to the beach. That was her happy place. Think of her, remembering happier days, the next time your toes touch the sand and see the sparkle of the sun off the beautiful blue water.

She had a deep spirit of faith in God and strove to capture real joy out of a life well lived. One not gauged by material wealth, but rather in her relationships. She proved to everyone she came in contact with during her journey with cancer, that she was a fighter, not giving up her long fought battle until the very end. Even her care team, that only knew her for a short time, often commented on her determined resolve, and how, even in the midst of the pain, she managed to always arrive to appointments wearing a well curated fashion ensemble.

Known as JoJo to those closest to her, she will leave an unimaginable hole where her bright light has shown. If you were honored to be in that glow, you were truly blessed. She will always be incredibly missed and forever loved.

Joy is survived by her son, James Keith Horn (Bobbi); daughter, Jill Horn Mulrooney (Brian); grandsons, Mason Mulrooney and Gavin Mulrooney; granddaughters, Eryn Horn and Michelle Horn; as well as six great-grandchildren, including Julia Roberts and Brandon Roberts. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Edward Horn; father, W.D. Lambert; mother, Dorothy Lambert; and brother, James Lambert.

A celebration of Joy’s life will be held at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue, on Thursday, September 24th with visitation starting at 10am with the service to follow at 11:30am. A private burial will follow at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations can be made to St. Jude or the Foundation for Women’s Cancer.