Joyce (or Joy as she was called by most) Marie Reynolds-Uselton-Edmondson (and honorary Bryant), was surrounded by her family when she departed this earth to be with her Heavenly Father on July 24, 2024. She was born August 24, 1933 or 34. (depending on which family member you ask. It’s been a fun family debate for many years. (33 is correct.)
Joy met and fell in love with her first love, Virgil Edward Uselton at the end of her senior year in High School. They were married on December 21, 1951 and had three lovely (somewhat wild) children. Cathy Ann was first born on April 6, 1954. James Edward (Buddy) came along on May 19, 1956. And, then a little surprise, Sherri Marie came along September 11, 1960.
Joy and Virgil enjoyed their family and built a thriving business. Joy excelled as a mother, sister, daughter, aunt, sister-in-law. She also loved her church family. She would take her children every Sunday morning. Then after a hearty lunch – she would take them back for evening services and then out again for Tuesday visitation.
In 1962, Virgil had a tragic motorcycle accident that changed Joy’s life. Virgil survived, but he was never the same again. The business failed, and the two divorced in 1967 and Joy took up the mantle of being a single mother of three and the label of divorcee. In the 1960’s both concepts were new with little to no support available.
For most of the years following she worked two jobs to take care of her family. Her full-time job was at General Services Administration (GSA) where she received many opportunities to advance. She built a career that she was very proud of. She was even featured in the Fort Worth Star Telegram as the first female forklift operator at GSA. This was both a delight and a puzzle to her family because Joy was not the best of drivers on a good day!
Her part-time job was at Edisons Department store in downtown Fort Worth. She was a valued team member there and worked for many years. She even met and worked with a man who would become her future son-in-law, but that would not be known for many years. One of the best parts of this job were the family appreciation days where Joy was able to take her three kids for a full (free) day of games, swimming, food and refreshments. It was a favored annual event and many sweet memories were made.
Once Joy’s children were grown, she found love again and married Aubrey Edmondson. They had a wonderful life together traveling, going to horse races and spending time with their families. Aubrey developed Emphysema and Joy took loving care of him through the end of his life.
Joy was content and living alone at her little lake house and traveling a bit in a small RV she had purchased with her little dog, Tinker. But God had other plans for her. It was then that Joy met Oliver Bryant. He was also a widower and they found that they had many hobbies to share. From the moment they met – they were like peas and carrots! Ollie settled into Joy’s life and family like he was always meant to be there. They have been loving companions for 31 years and have provided an example of how special and rare true love is. The RV got bigger and trips grew longer. The pets multiplied and they traveled the US, with all the pets in tow and many times a grandchild or two riding along.
They built a sweet life, hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, building cherished memories for the whole family and anyone else who might happen along. Their Fourth of July events were always very special. The grandchildren and great grandchildren enjoyed many nights of fun, food, love and fireworks at Grand Ma Joyce’s and Ollie Pop’s. They were the kind of nights kids dream of.
For Joy – doing these things was how to keep a family together and happy; and with Ollie by her side, they built a treasure trove of memories and love for three generations to hold dear
Over the last three years of Joys life things began to change. As dementia crept its way in – it changed all the lives around her. As her mind and body were invaded by this insidious disease, the world slowed down. Things that made sense before no longer made sense. Ollie had one request of the family. He asked that Joy not be placed in a home and that she not be taken away from him. The family accomplished that.
Joy’s legacy is simple:
• Love God
• Be devoted to family
• And, if you do a job – do it well enough that you might be asked to do it again.
Joy leaves behind a family that loves and adores her, including:
Her beloved partner of 31 years, Oliver Bryant. (Ollie Pop, Ollie, or just plain Pops); Her children: Cathy Biggs and her husband Rick (who believes he is the favorite child and has a t-shirt.to prove it)
Sherri Wright and her husband Glen Ollie’s daughter, Janet Mayweather and her husband Robert; Her Grandchildren:
Danny Ray Pearce, Matthew Allen Miller and his wife Tiffaney, Josh Biggs and his wife Laura., and Chase Alan Markham.
She also leaves behind three sweet great grandchildren:
Ethan, Noah and Olivia.
She is preceded in death by: Parents, Edwin Earl Reynolds and Eddie Clay Conditt-Reynolds; Son, James (Buddy) Uselton; Granddaughter, Jenny Michelle Uselton; Grandson Philip Ryan Miller
Ollie’s son, Jim Bryant, and his wife Sue; Sister Ann Hallmark and her family Benny, Dave and Diana.
As well as too many friends, family members to list.
Joy’s family wishes to thank and recognize her caregivers for the extraordinary support they provided:
Natalie
Laura
Karen
Loli
Catherine
These ladies were wonderful to joy and fell in love during the process.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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