Joy M. Phelps' Obituary
A gentle, humble baby girl entered the world January 20, 1926, in Tacoma, Washington. Her quiet ways spoke loudly of those things she held most dear: her family, her friends, and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She entered the place Jesus had gone to prepare for her November 1, 2014—leaving behind a legacy passed on through simple examples lived out day by day. A time has been set aside to celebrate this special lady—known as Joy Marilyn Phelps.
November 11th at 11:00 a.m. at Highland Hill Baptist Church, 901 South Pearl Street, Tacoma 98465. Reception to follow.
Joy is preceded in death by her husband Louie Phelps, daughter Cheryl Lane, and son-in-law John Miller and survived by her daughters Linda R. Miller, Rosalie F. Olson (Ron) and her sister Dolores Van Orden (John).
If you wish, donations can be made to Franciscan Hospice or In Touch Ministries.
The family wishes to wholeheartedly thank Franciscan Hospice, Joy’s friends at Point Defiance Village Retirement Community, and caregiver Amber Hofer.
Dear Mom,
What a wonderful joy you added to this world from 1926 to 2014, the time given you by God to run your race. Despite life events, such as the illness that plagued your own mother throughout her life, an older brother you adored dying at age seven, the loss of your mom to cancer when she was just 61, and a childhood lived during the Great Depression, you lived your life and ran your race with dignity, integrity, and a simple, rock-solid faith.
We watched as worked hard trying to support your three daughters after dad walked away. You were constant. You were always there for us, sacrificing what you wanted or needed in order that your girls would not go without. We watched as you remarried and began a new chapter of life. It was during this time we saw you turn more and more to Jesus. Perhaps, His life of rejection and misunderstanding and suffering and sacrifice drew you to identify with and lean more into Him for comfort and strength.
You didn’t have to post-high school education, you didn’t have a flashy career, you didn’t travel to far away exotic places or live in a luxurious home. Yet, you were a grand example of the wealth one could accumulate, the wisdom one could possess through a simple, dynamic faith in God through His Son, Jesus Christ. We watched you, Mom. We saw you work through life and run your race with the help of your Rock, your Refuge, your Strong Tower, Jesus Christ.
It was through you that the faith of others was either nourished or, in some cases, birthed. It was through you letting God display Himself in you that your three daughters also found the Door, the Way to eternal life with God our Father. It was through you that countless neighbors and friends and husband and sisters were encouraged.
Your race was run well, Mom. However, now it is time for you to leave us and go to the place Jesus has been preparing for you over these 88 years. We thank you for being true to who Jesus called you to be –a simple mother, daughter, wife, sister, neighbor, and friend who finished well. We love you!
Your girls
What’s your fondest memory of Joy ?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joy ?
Share a story where Joy 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joy you’ll never forget.
How did Joy make you smile?
