Freda Joy Meleen Crow Webber, R.N., 88, known as “Joy” to most of her family and friends, returned to her Savior Jan. 7, 2020 at her home with family at her side. “Joy” was a name perfectly suited to this cheerful, loving nurse, daughter, sister, wife, mom, stepmom, grandma and friend, who never met a stranger and devoted her life to caring for others. With her folksy idioms, she kept us in stitches, while teaching us valuable lessons of life.
Joy was born in Bellville, Texas on Nov. 23, 1931, to Freda Alice Cook and Elmore Ray Meleen. With her parents and siblings, she grew up in Humble Oil company camps throughout southeast Texas, but claimed Thompsons, Texas in rural Fort Bend County as her first hometown. Joy graduated from Richmond (TX) High School in 1948 and continued her education at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State) in San Marcos, Texas. She graduated as a registered nurse from Baylor University’s Hillcrest Nursing School in 1952. Following graduation, Joy joined the nursing staff at the Corsicana State Home in Corsicana, Texas. She later accepted an industrial nursing position with Humble Oil Company, now ExxonMobil, at the company’s refinery hospital in Baytown, Texas, where she’d make her lifelong home.
After moving to Baytown, Joy met her sweetheart, Morris Lowell Crow, at a Methodist church party. They married at First Presbyterian Church, Baytown, on Feb. 25, 1955 and soon started a family. They weathered the loss of their house in Hurricane Carla in 1961, emerged stronger and re-built a loving home. Together, they raised five children, hosted several exchange students and enthusiastically supported their kids in academics, scouting, school band and other adventures. Morris passed away in 1978.
After a stint as a stay-at-home mom, Joy returned to her beloved profession as director of nursing at St. James House of Baytown, where she served for more than ten years. Following her retirement, she continued to serve as a hospice nurse, helping families navigate end-of-life challenges.
Joy married William Ovide Webber on Feb. 9, 1986 at Baytown’s Westminster Presbyterian Church and was delighted to welcome his children and grandchildren into her growing family. Joy and Ovide enjoyed family gatherings, world travel and service with their church. They loved attending Houston Symphony concerts, as well as concerts conducted by their school music director daughters, Gail and Cindy. Ovide passed away in 1994.
Joy displayed a strong Christian faith and was a member of Baytown’s First Presbyterian Church and, subsequently, Westminster Presbyterian Church, where she was ordained as a ruling elder and served in leadership, as a Sunday School teacher and in many other capacities. Joy continued her membership as the two congregations merged into Faith Presbyterian Church. In addition to her church responsibilities, Joy lent her time as a volunteer to many community service activities.
At a nephew’s Lake Whitney, Texas resort, Joy and fellow nursing school classmates organized annual reunions celebrating nearly 70 years of camaraderie. What stories they shared and fun they had!
In addition to her husbands, Joy was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved aunt Ruby Meleen, her adored sister Ada Meleen Schawe and brothers Eric and David Meleen, stepson John Webber and step-grandson Billy Land. She is survived by her children, Morris “Lowell” Crow, Jr. (Gloria Felter) of Oak Ridge, Tenn.; Cindy (Charles) Casillas of Cypress, TX; Mary-Ann (Carl) Muffoletto of Logan, Utah; Milton (Tina) Crow of Houston, and Thomas Crow (Mychelle DeFoor) of Baytown; as well as her stepchildren, Mary Gail Webber (Bill) Land of Katy, TX and Larry Webber of Missouri City, TX. She is also survived by her grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Chase, Selene, Cinjin, Remandra, Diana, Ariadne, Isabella, Simon, Phoebe, Chris, Filipe, Rob, Jason, Krystal, Richard and Eric. She was a beloved aunt of many nieces and nephews. With her nearly six-decades-long best friend Martha Medellín de Moreno, Joy shared a daily cup of coffee, lots of laughter, sorrow, fun adventures and the crazy ups-and-downs of life.
A memorial service celebrating Joy’s life will be held Monday, January 13, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church, 3900 North Main, Baytown, Texas. To honor her memory, share a smile and help a friend or stranger in need. Gifts can be made in her memory to the legacy fund of Faith Presbyterian Church.
Joy’s family wishes to thank her caregivers especially the late Josie Castillo and Susan Castillo Hernández, who lovingly cared for Mom during her final years. We also express gratitude to Dr. Robert Battle, Dr. Roberto Mejía and their caring team.
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