Joy Wilson

1937 - 2022

"Joy is prayer; joy is strength; joy is love; joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls..."- Mother Teresa. Joy Frances Bendily Wilson, passed away December 2, 2022 at the age of 85 in the comfort of her home in Covington, LA. She was born on November 27, 1937 to Geneva and Alfred Bendily in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She attended Denham Springs High School where she was a majorette, and participated in the Miss Louisiana pageant proudly representing Livingston Parish, Louisiana. She later moved to New Orleans where she worked in the oil industry as an executive assistant and met her future husband, Buddy Wilson. The two happily married in 1963. In 1966, Joy gave birth to a son, Derek in 1966 and a daughter, Missy in 1967. They settled down into the family home Joy and Buddy designed in Gretna, La. and raised their family. Joy was a devoted wife, mother and friend. She loved a great martini, dancing to the sounds of Stevie Wonder and weekend get-aways to Pass Christian, MS with the family. Travel was a passion she continued through her life with a condo in Mexico where she and Buddy developed lifelong friendships. Joy was an accomplished cook and natural entertainer with the gift of bringing people together. Her trademark laugh was infectious, and her spirit could fill any room. Despite the heartbreaking losses of those closest to Joy, her time on earth is a testament to a wonderful life, powered by resilience, love and boundless Joy. Joy is survived by her only daughter Missy Wilson, husband Chris Bierbrauer and beloved twin granddaughters Nola and Cassidy Bierbrauer of Minneapolis, Minnesota; as well as her favorite nieces Donna Kay Knight, Dale Holloway and Debra Gowland of Jennings and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Joy was preceded in death by her beloved son Derek Wilson and husband Abner W. "Buddy" Wilson; in addition to her parents Alfred and Geneva Bendily. Thank you to all of those who have loved and befriended Joy and the Wilson family through the years. A special thank you to the Knight family; Donna Kay, Jill, Jodi and Stacey whose support knows no bounds; to Sylvia Carter for her lifelong care and dedication to our family for over 57 years; Alethea Womack and Claudia Simson for your guidance, care and tireless devotion to the end. The family is planning a celebration of life event to honor Joy in March in New Orleans. Details to come. Serenity Funeral Home of Covington, LA in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.serenitycovington.com.