Allison Joy

1932 - 2018

Allison Semmes Joy
1932-2018
Allison Semmes Joy died at home on October 30, 2018, a few weeks shy of her 86th birthday. Allison was born in Houston, Texas on November 18, 1932 to Lelia Binyon Joy and Robert Carleton Joy. Allison had a love for the natural world and an eye for beauty which developed as she roamed the woods on Piney Point. Allison's natural artistic talent was inherited from her father, at whose knee she developed her craft. Sought after as a portrait artist, Allison brought her subjects to life in oil and pastels. She maintained lifelong friendships with many of her subjects and a wide variety of others. A devoted friend, Allison lived life on her own terms.
Allison attended The Kinkaid School but, with her father's encouragement, dropped out at age sixteen to devote herself to art. Despite her lack of formal education, Allison was a voracious reader. Nutrition, science and alternative medicine were lifelong passions. Allison loved adventure. Her painting skills translated to the ability to shoot her pearl-handled pistol with keen precision.
Allison Joy portraits of children and family members are treasured by all fortunate enough to have them. Never patronizing, Allison formed a remarkable bond with each child who sat for a portrait. She delighted them in her studio with collected oddities – live snakes, stuffed birds, seashells, newly released Disney records – and conversations about life. Years after their childhood sittings, Allison's subjects remember her as kind, quirky and fun. When approaching a portrait subject, Allison squinted her eyes as she found just the right balance between shadow, light and expression. Always a perfectionist, her portraits were only unveiled when Allison was completely satisfied with the result.
Allison Joy was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister, Nina Carleton Joy. She is survived by sister Virginia "Ginny" Joy Gutwillig, nephews Robert Carleton Schoenthaler (sons Jack and Brad) and Roger David Gutwillig (wife - Natasha and son Jesse), many cousins and countless best friends.
The family is particularly grateful to her companions and caregivers who dedicated themselves to making Allison's life more comfortable over the past decade, especially Lisa, Nathan and Talicia Sanders.
Allison's prolific body of work survives her as do her many friends. She will be missed by all who knew her and those whose lives she touched.
Interment will be private. Remembrances may be sent to AllisonJoyArtist@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, Allison's memory may be commemorated through contributions to the "Allison Joy Scholarship Fund" The Glassell School of Art . P.O. Box 25026 Houston, TX 77265-5026.