Joy A. Going

As a child and early teen, Joy's father was a migrant farmer, and she and her parents lived on several farms and ranches in the panhandle of Texas.

Joy was an accomplished student growing up, and she graduated valedictorian in high school at age 15. She attended Hardin Simmons University in Abilene where she received her Bachelor of Science degree at the age of 18. She later earned her Administrator's Certificate, Master of Education degree, and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction in the field of education at the University of Houston.

She began her teaching career in Fort Worth, Texas where she taught high school level English and Music. She continued her career as a substitute teacher in Anadarko, Enid, and Norman, Oklahoma. Joy then taught music for two years in grades 1-12 in Spearman, Texas.

Joy began her 34-year career in Baytown education working half-days at Cedar Bayou Junior High and De Zavala Elementary teaching music. Joy then transferred to Harlem Elementary where she helped start the magnet school program, and then three years later, she served as principal for 2 years. Next, Joy moved to Stephen F. Austin Elementary, where she was principal for 14 years. She also served as principal at Pumphrey Elementary for 14 years.

She represented the school district with United Way, was affiliated with the Baytown Crimestoppers Program, where she served as an original board member, served as a Harris County voting precinct judge, and was very involved in church activities.

Joy was a member of the Epsilon Psi Chapter of the Texas State Organization of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Baytown Education Association, Texas State Teachers Association, National Education Association, Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association, and Texas Association for Improvement of Reading. After Joy's retirement in 2002, she also became involved with the Baytown Area Retired School Employees Association.

Joy was inspired by and felt a calling to work with children after spending time with and looking after her many younger cousins. She continually strived to introduce innovative ideas for teaching and sought to try new methods that would help children learn.

Always a strong proponent of education, Joy requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the educational scholarship fund of her Delta Kappa Gamma chapter which can be sent to: Epsilon Psi, c/o Carolyn Francis, 2104 Buchanan Drive, Baytown, TX 77521.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father John and Winnie Reeves and husband, William Going.

She is survived by her daughters: Jana Ralls Miller and Joni Ralls; granddaughter, Dianna Rothwell Muha and great-granddaughter, Kaylee Ryann Huffman.

Joy's final wishes were to not hold a formal funeral service, but instead requested that her passing be a time of celebration where her friends and family could meet in a time of fellowship and share the bond of life we all share.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, December 29th from 6-8 p.m. at Navarre Funeral Home in Baytown, TX. A graveside funeral service will be held on Friday, December 30th at 10 a.m. at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Baytown, TX.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr. Baytown, TX 77521, (281)422-8111.