Joy was born on September 2, 1934, to W.N. “Nat” and Effie Mae Taylor. She had a loving and full childhood in various parts of Mississippi. She was raised with her three sisters, Bonnie, Essie Mae and Jeri.
Joy married the love of her life, Leroy McCulloch, on December 28, 1951. They were married for 45-1/2 years. They honeymooned in Galveston, TX and never left Texas. The first couple of years were spent in the Rosenberg, TX and Texas City, TX areas. They moved to Houston around 1953 and remained there until 1968. In the summer of 1968 they moved to Willis, TX where their marriage continued to flourish. By this time, they had four children, Vicki, Wyatt, Wayne and Mike. Joy became a very involved Mom. She participated in every event her kids had, as well helped to manage the various projects at home. Her children raised everything from rabbits to chickens, baby fawns to stray dogs. And there were the horses to tend. Joy and Leroy frequently rode the Salt Grass Trail Ride from Brenham to Houston. They were joined by their children for some years.
Joy began bowling in 1970 and went on to be a tournament bowler for many years. She loved the sport as well as the many friendships she developed at the bowling alley. Joy and Leroy were very social and became engrained in the Montgomery County area activities. They loved to entertain. After moving to Lake Conroe, they had friends and family at the house on most weekends. They enjoyed catching the sunrise on their wave runners – sometimes just the two of them. Joy enjoyed traveling both with her husband and with others. She traveled to Europe, Alaska, Africa on safari, Martinique and gambled in Monte Carlo. Her life was full at all times.
Joy was known as the “Nan” of the Willis Sweethearts Drill Team from 1986-1990. During this time, she was also the assistant to the leader of the Key Club for Willis High School. She joined the Welcome Wagon organization in the late 70’s and continued with them for many years. As they transitioned to Welcoming Neighbors of Montgomery County she served until 1997. Joy was also a leader in Al-A-Non for 15 years. She found another love in life. She joined the Assistance League of Montgomery County on January 1, 1995. She remained a member until 2023. She served as Treasurer, President and Vice President over her years of service.
A few years after Leroy passed, Joy was introduced to Martin Heemer. He became her constant companion for the last 22 years of her life. Martin was loved by all and treated Joy as a true queen. They spent many hours having “discussions” about political matters as well as current events. They traveled extensively and made many more friends. It was not uncommon to walk in Joy’s house and have to endure HOURS of tennis matches on TV. Joy and Martin were truly addicted to the sport. They knew every player and every stat, and they didn’t hesitate to share their knowledge. They were a joy to spend time with.
Joy is survived by four children: Vicki Terry Ashley and husband Ray of Willis, TX, Wyatt Leroy McCulloch and wife Patricia of Conroe, TX, Robert Wayne McCulloch of Conroe, TX and Michael Keith McCulloch and wife Lindy of Willis, TX.
She is also survived by her sister Jeri Booth of Houston, TX. Joy is survived by her grandchildren: Nicole Hadley and husband, Parrish, Kimberly Terry, Madison Terry, Wyatt Leroy McCulloch II and wife Lauren, Ashton Black and husband Craig, Kristin Maloney and husband Brandon, Dylan McCulloch, Blake McCulloch and wife Natalie, Dustin McCulloch, Morgan McCulloch, Jory McCulloch and wife Kendahl, Jordan McCulloch and Andi McCulloch.
Joy has 17 great grandchildren: Jezyca and PC Hadley, Braedan Terry and Cooper Terry, Lyla, Lexi and Livi McCulloch, Kaydence and Graceleigh Black, Tyler Maloney, Sebastian McCulloch, Leona and Noah McCulloch, Marlowe and Cove Bullard, Hunter and Harley McCulloch
Joy is preceded in death by her husband, Leroy McCulloch, her faithful companion, Martin Heemer, her sisters, Bonnie Ramsey and Essie Mae Donald, her granddaughter, Carly McCulloch, her great-granddaughter Carly Maloney, beloved son-in-law, David Terry and last but one of the most important people in her life, Florene Jones.
Joy’s greatest gift was her smile, her huge heart and her kindness to others. Her greatest gift in her life according to her was her family. She was the absolute best Mom, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Aunt, and Sister. She was truly the matriarch of all times.
Joy’s family would also like to acknowledge the staff at Worthington Manor in Conroe, TX. Their love and care for our Mom helped her to endure Alzheimer's with dignity and grace. We can never repay their kindnesses to our Mom. In particular, we ask for blessings for Glenda Norris and Gloria Orsak. Their end-of-life care was beyond anything we could have imagined. We are truly blessed!
For anyone wishing to make a contribution in Joy’s memory – please send your donation to one of the following organizations:
Assistance League of Montgomery County
126 N San Jacinto St.
Conroe, TX 77301
Worthington Manor – The Lodge
1999 Lake of Wedgewood Dr.
Conroe, TX 77304
Alzheimer’s Association
(Online donations are accepted at alz.org)
Or by mail: 225 N. Michigan Ave., FL 17
Chicago, IL 60601
A visitation for Joy will be held Friday, September 27, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, TX 77303. A funeral service will occur Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, TX 77303. A graveside service will occur Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Garden Park Cemetery, 801 Teas Rd, Conroe, TX 77303. A reception will follow graveside services inside the Cashner Colonial Chapel.
Serving as pallbearers are Wyatt Leroy McCulloch II, Alexander Blake McCulloch, Dustin Taylor McCulloch, Dylan Luke McCulloch, Jory Michael McCulloch and Parrish Christian Hadley II.
