Joy A. Thomas Haines

1927 - 2022

XENIA — Joy A. Thomas Haines, 95, of Xenia, returned home to be with her Heavenly Father on Thursday, August 11, 2022. She was born April 1, 1927, in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Joy was the daughter of Joseph and Neva Trexler Thomas. She is survived by her children, Barbara O'Rourke, Xenia, Thaddeus (Patricia) Haines, Xenia, and Jonathan (Jackie) Haines, Cygnet, OH, and daughter-in-law, Sharon K. Haines, Middletown, seven grandchildren, Erin (Scott) Rankin, Megan (Jack) Cummings, Spenser (Ericka) Haines, Samantha (Brian) Cooper, Sawyer (Kara) Haines, Amber Haines, Carla (Wesley) Cox, as well as 12 great-grandchildren, sister, Judie Donovan, San Rafael, California, brother, Trexler (Sally) Thomas, Southport, North Carolina, sister-in-law, Peggy Haines, by numerous nieces and nephews, and by many close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Joseph E. "Joe" Haines, son, Thomas Haines, and son-in-law, Michael O'Rourke. Joy was a graduate of The Ohio State University where she majored in music. While there she was the first female soloist to be invited to sing with the OSU Men's Glee Choir. Joy was the featured alto soloist in the Xenia Church productions of the Messiah for many years. She shared her voice at countless weddings and life celebrations throughout the community. Joy served as President of the Phi Mu sorority for 2 years, was Panhellenic President and later President of the AAUW and Greene County Republican Women. She also served on the Greene County Republican Central Committee for several years. Joy later returned to school to get her master's degree in education. She taught at Spring Hill Elementary in Xenia for 14 years before joining her husband, Joe, on daily trips to Columbus where he served in the Ohio House of Representatives for 19 years. In addition to being a loyal companion, she was an avid gardener, talented knitter, expert pie baker and golf enthusiast. Joy was especially proud of her hole-in-one. She will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know and love her. A thank you to the aides and nurses at Legacy Assisted Living for their compassionate and loving care for the past 3 years. Heaven has gained a new alto in its heavenly choir. Services will be held Thursday, August 18, at Christ's Church, Bellbrook. Visitation will be from 10a.m.-11a.m. with a life celebration to follow at 11am. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Xenia. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Christ's Church, 3370 Upper Bellbrook Rd., Bellbrook, OH, 45305, in her memory. Condolences may be made to the family at www.NeeldFuneralHome.com.