Joy Shumate Hampton

1937 - 2025

In Loving Memory of Joy Shumate Hampton

February 7, 1937 - July 23, 2025

Paola, Kansas - League City, Texas

With full hearts, we celebrate the life of Joy Shumate Hampton, a woman whose warmth, creativity, and gentle spirit deeply touched everyone she knew. Joy passed away peacefully on July 23, 2025, in League City, Texas, at the age of 88, surrounded by family.

Born in Paola, Kansas, on February 7, 1937, Joy graduated from Pampa High School in 1955 and attended North Texas State University. She married Wayne Hampton in 1957 in Grand Prairie, Texas, beginning a beautiful journey together that lasted 68 years.

Joy was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her husband Wayne; daughters Karen Hunter (Joe), Julie Levett, and Laurie Morrow (M.L); grandchildren David (Nicole) Hunter, Matt (Erica) Hunter, Emily (Jason) Winstead, Micah (Haley) Hunter, Anderson (Kami) Morrow, William (Louellyn) Morrow, and Kylie Levett; and great-grandchildren Hayden, Ethan, and Claire Hunter; Alexis, Carter, and Ella Hunter; Ava and Dalaney Winstead; and Aubrey and Rachel Morrow. She was preceded in death by her parents, Murrell Wiley (Jack) and Margaret Shumate, and her son-in-law, Jon Levett.

Joy and Wayne traveled extensively, visiting every U.S. state except Hawaii, along with many European countries. She had a passion for genealogy, tracing her lineage back to the 1700s and proudly discovering her ties to the Daughters of the American Revolution.

A talented quilter and needle artist, Joy owned The Elegant Stitch, a beloved needlework shop in the Clear Lake area. Her love for crafting was legendary-she created quilts and baby blankets that became cherished keepsakes for family and friends. Each piece reflected her care, skill, and devotion.

Joy's life was filled with purpose and grace. She found happiness in the everyday-time with family, quiet moments with her husband, and the joy of creating something beautiful with her hands. Her generosity, patience, and loving nature made her a constant source of comfort and strength.

A celebration of Joy's life will be in August held at Clear Lake Methodist Church where Joy had been a member.

Though she is no longer with us, the legacy of Joy Shumate Hampton lives on-in the hearts of her family, in the stitches of every quilt, and in the countless lives she brightened with her kindness and love.