Joy Thomas

Joy Willingham Thomas, 76, of Newberry, died Sunday, September 22, 2013, at her residence.

Born on October 30, 1936, in Newberry, she was a daughter of the late Ambrous and Alda Miller Willingham. She worked for B.C. Moore's for eleven years and was retired from the City of Newberry Recreation Department where she taught ceramics. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and greatly enjoyed the Leisure Club. Mrs. Thomas loved working in her yard and with her flowers. She was a loving wife, mother, and “Gangy” to her grandchildren. She lived up to her name, as she was a Joy to many.

She is survived by her husband, Harvey Dow Thomas, Jr.; children, Harvey Dow Thomas III, Deidra (Keith) Bartley, Jeffery Dodd Thomas, Darron Craig Thomas, Darrah Thomas Chick (Ronnie Jones); grandchildren, Ashton Nikole Bartley, P. Seth Chick, and M. Austin Bartley; siblings, Ruth Yon, Mary (Clarence) Cook, Myra Berley, Helen Smith and Ted (Marilyn) Willingham. Mrs. Thomas was predeceased by siblings, Olin Willingham, Earl Willingham, John Willingham and Lula Ann Willlingham.

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 pm Tuesday, September 24, 2013, at Faith Lutheran Church by the Rev. Eddie Miller. Burial will follow in Newberry Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Monday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm at McSwain-Evans Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 1505 Wilson Road, Newberry, SC 29108.

Active pallbearers will be Mike Willingham, Jerry Willingham, Danny Berley, Bobby Willingham, and Steve Smith.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Faith Lutheran Church Leisure Club.

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