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BORN
1959
DIED
2016
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Joy Dickerson Obituary
McARTHUR: Joy Elaine Dickerson, 57, of McArthur, was a wonderful daughter, sister and friend, who passed away of natural causes in her home, Tuesday, August 16, 2016. She was born January 8, 1959 in Springfield, Ohio, daughter of Carl Robert Dickerson of Middletown and the late Hazel E. Burton Dickerson.
Joy was an active accessible positive force for the youth of McArthur and Vinton County through her work with Sojourners/Youth Build. She also wrote and photographed events for the Vinton County Courier. You could catch her at fairs writing "instant" poems. Joy was an avid supporter of the Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library in McArthur and an active member of the Community of Christ in McArthur. Her pets, Ohio State, and music rounded out her life.
Even though Joy was single, all of her life she was an "aunt" to an entire town. Her life, her "Joy" and her willingness to step in wherever she was needed will never be forgotten.
Joy is survived by her father as well as her sisters, Robin L. Dickerson of Alexandria, Virginia, Judith D. (Craig A.) Graybill of Houston, Texas and Kathy (Phillip) Bradbury of Monroe, Ohio; nephews, Elliot and Jacob Shapiro and Bob (Morgan Masterman) Graybill; nieces, Marta (Sarah) Johnson and Miranda and Britney Ballard and her grandniece, Peri Ann Masterman-Graybill.
In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Homer and Elizabeth Burton and Bessie Grow Dickerson.
A celebration of life service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, August 20, 2016 in the Vinton County Community Building, 31935 State Route 93, McArthur, with Pastor Linda Donahoe officiating and 4 p.m., Sunday, August 21, 2016 at the Community of Christ, 2424 S. Sutphin St., Middletown, Ohio 45044.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Sojourners, P.O. Box 312, McArthur, Ohio 45651 or your local Community of Christ church.
Arrangements are by Garrett-Cardaras Funeral Home, 201 W. High St., McArthur.
Please sign her online guestbook at www.cardaras.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joy Dickerson
Sponsored by Garrett-Cardaras Funeral Home - McArthur.
Summer Fenton
July 21, 2020
I worked with Joy at the Publishing Co. in Westerville. We became friends and she threw me the most wonderful memorable baby shower 30 years ago. I came across a poem of hers that I had kept all these years and wanted to thank her for it and that is when I learned of her passing. I am so sorry for your loss. This was her poem, "Strong like a Tree" ~ I want to be strong like a tree With a sturdy wooden trunk, A crown of dancing green. I want to feel sap rise, Hear leaves shake, Grow back broken branches. I want to sway in the wind, Capture the light of the sun, Taste rain. I want to be strong like a tree, Roots making love to the soil, Holding fast, Bounty of earth In my grasp. I want to be strong like a tree, To know in my heartwood That spring will come And, with it, bring a warm time. ~ God Bless You, Joy Dickerson and Thank you for impacting my life in so many positive, joyous ways ~ Love Always.
Sharon Ayers Csaszar
October 2, 2019
Joy was a long time friend and exercise buddy of mine in Columbus. i met her in an Aerobics class. I lost touch with her when she moved to McArthur. I also lost touch with Aerobics. But just last night I saw one of our long time Aerobics instructors and learned of Joy's passing. How sad that makes me. However, I just read all of the wonderful comments in Joy's guestbook and I see that see brought as much "joy" to Vinton County, as she did here in Columbus. May my friend rest in peace.
Lyndsay
September 12, 2016
I learned of Joy's passing today and I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a kind & wonderful woman. I will forever cherish the poem I have hanging up that she wrote for me. I feel blessed to have met her along my journey.
Randy & Becky Smith
September 6, 2016
Bob, Robin, Judy and families, we are so sorry for your loss. Joy touched the lives of so many people, she will be greatly missed. We met Joy when we moved next door to Bob 30+ years ago. We know first hand that she loved her dad, sisters, and their families. May God give you strength and may fond memories give you comfort. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Michele Wright Parker
August 28, 2016
Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember Joy who was so close to you. Her beautiful voice and positive spirit will be forever missed. Our church family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
August 24, 2016
I am sorry for your loss. Look to God and persist in prayer and he will give you the comfort you need. Psalm 25:17
Alphonso
August 23, 2016
To the family of Joy Elaine Dickerson, I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure you will miss her dearly. Please find comfort in knowing one day we will see our loved ones again. John 6:40. Matthew 5:5.
Michael O'Brien
August 22, 2016
I had the pleasure of knowing Joy through her work at Sojourners and while I was associate editor of the Vinton County Courier. Joy's humor was contagious and her writing came from the heart.
Harriet Freeland
August 20, 2016
To Bob, Robin, Judy, & Families: My heart felt condolences to you & all her local friends whose daily lives have been affected by losing their "JOY". It is still hard to believe this vibrant 57 year old young lady whom I met about 45+ years ago with her entire family is not with us anymore. She had a special talent of manipulating words to elicit visions for others to make changes in their lives. Joy will live on in all whose lives she has touched, including mine. May God continue to wrap His loving arms of comfort around all.
Courtney Barnett (Price)
August 20, 2016
Joy became my my younger sisters big sister through sojourners before she started working there. Kellie was in third grade at the time. Joy has impacted my sisters life SO much over the years. Not to mention my family as well. She spent so much time with her and was there for her always. Joy was there for Kellie through a lot of hard times. But for every hard time, I know there was so many more good times! She was a one of a kind gal, and my family is forever so grateful to have had Joy in our lives and to have known her. Her name fit her so well. Joy, you will be missed by SO many.
August 20, 2016
You will definitely be missed Joy. Much sympathy to your family. Bob and Patty Orth
Kenneth Blevins
August 20, 2016
My condolences to the family and friends. Joy and her sisters were always spunky and full of caring and love , which came from a loving home. I know that there are many happy stories from a well loved character that loved people.
Rev. Robert and Jeannie Graetz
August 19, 2016
So many of us were "best friends" with Joy. She had love and concern that overflowed and a gift of words and poetry that was so special. She was a close sister, friend and daughter to us. Sad to have her leave us so soon. Bob and Jeannie Graetz
Kathy Hatten-Watts
August 19, 2016
My deepest sympathy to all the family! I knew Joy from growing up in the Jackson church and loved her grandparents dearly. I hope the love from friends and family comforts you during this difficult time.
Mandy Pratt
August 19, 2016
Although I didn't know Joy very well, I could see how much those around her loved her by the way they spoke and interacted with her. I liked how she was always friendly and jamming out to bluegrass or gospel music when I would come into her office. She was a cool lady and will be missed by many.
OSU Extension Office staff
August 18, 2016
Joy was a blessing to Vinton County and may not have grown up here but was an integral part of the county. She worked tirelessly for the youth of the county and was a great asset to any organization that she touched. She will be greatly missed and has left a positive footprint on many in Vinton County.
Julie Bradford
August 18, 2016
Joy was a classmate of mine. We reconnected on FB after 30+ years. She sounded as if she influenced so many in her small community. My condolences to her family.
Cheryl Browning
August 18, 2016
Bob my love & prayers are with you & all your family. Joy was just that, a joy! She will be missed by so many!!! God Bless you
Steve Hanson
August 18, 2016
A shock to lose a friend so young and one so full of life. She never lost her shine through the years. I loved her happy-go-lucky swagger - whether we were at a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese, making music together or enjoying her poetry. She truly blossomed in her work at Sojourners and her life in Vinton County. I'm sure she is enjoying her new adventure in the afterlife.
Teresa Kight
August 18, 2016
So sorry to see you go. You wil be missed. We didn't see each other every day, but you were always happy to see me and "big red" go by. I'm sure marigold is lost without you. You are both gentle souls
Donna Potts
August 18, 2016
Joy you will be sadly missed not only by me but Catie who loved being with you. So sorry for your family, you were one of a kind.
Becky Roach Simpson
August 18, 2016
Joy was one my best friends in high school and part of so many fond memories. We loved the same things -- theater, music, reading, and writing. As often happens, we lost touch through the years, but I am so thankful for our Facebook friendship in the last few years. What an amazing woman my friend became. I am so moved by the tributes from her small town home. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you say goodbye.
Olie Tait
August 18, 2016
The overflow of love is astonishing! This woman was an amazing woman and my heart and prayers are with the family in this time of need. I love you Joy and I'll never forget you!
Rhonda Dutcher
August 18, 2016
If Vinton County had a cheer leader it was Joy. A avid supporter of just about anything positive in VC. What I admire the most about her was a conversation she had a friend of mine, telling the young lady how proud she was of her. What a difference that compliment made to my friend. She will be missed. Prayers to her family and friends.
mary ann huston
August 18, 2016
You was a huge inspiration to casey anf tori and the community..you eill be missed greatly!
Mitch Tayse
August 18, 2016
My condolences to the family. Joy was a special person to many, many people, and, I'm one of them. I knew her chiefly through her music, and her music lives on in our band, but I know she was so much more. We only had occasional contact since she moved to McArthur, but she clearly made a difference in many peoples' lives there and elsewhere. RIP my friend, and, until we sing together again, keep those joy-bells ringing.
Debbie Graybill
August 18, 2016
Please know that all of you are being held closely in our thoughts and in our prayers. With much love, Debbie and Clark Graybill
Janet Burton hamby
August 18, 2016
Last time I saw joy was at Mike and courtney wedding. She will be missed by family in tn.
Tiffinee Price
August 18, 2016
Thoughts and prayers to the family. Joy will forever be a very special lady in my heart, RIP my friend until we meet again. Fly High my beautiful angel
Di Kempton-Rhodes
August 18, 2016
Joy, you were always a joy to be around...I can't believe I just messaged you a few weeks back & now your gone .. life is too short but your life will live on forever in the hills of Vinton County.
RIP
BRENDA FEE
August 18, 2016
So sorry for your loss of Joy. I knew her through the United Methodist Church of McArthur. She was a very kind person.
Shayla Caudill McNally
August 18, 2016
Joy was such an amazingly enthusiastic person. It still seems so unreal that I won't see her snapping pictures at local functions or singing her heart out at any given chance. She will be missed. She made this community special.
Sharon Hunter
August 18, 2016
Joy was a awesome asset to our community an her beautiful smiling face an personality will be missed by all...may her family an friends find peace an comfort in the words of God...I am keeping each of you in my thoughts an prayers..God Bless!!
Debbie Rannells
August 18, 2016
Thoughts and prayers to Joy's family. I will miss our weekly visits at farmers market, singing in community events, and whimsical writings appearing in the most unusual places.
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