Joy Gay Revels

REVELS, Joy Gay, 80, left her worldly home for her heavenly home Monday, August 6, 2012 after a brief battle with brain cancer. The loves of her life were the Lord, her family and her many friends. She leaves her daughter, Lynn Goolsby (Don); daughter-in-law, Sandy Revels; grandchildren, Heather Rouse, Dustin Goolsby (Lindsey), Darren Revels (Mallorie) and Deedra Goolsby (James); also great-grandsons, Connor and Noah Rouse; sister, Jackie Price; brother, Roy Gay and many special nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband Robert Revels and by her sons, Dwight and Alan, parents, sisters; Snookie Anderson and Kitty Laseter. Joy was born in Chosen, Fl. Her family of seven moved around a lot but she made Brandon her home in 1949. As a young girl, Joy aspired to be a reporter but chose a different life when she met Robert and married him four months later in 1950. They were married almost 59 years and had three wonderful children whom they adored. Joy’s career included homemaker, insurance secretary, bank teller, college student at USF and Media Specialist at Brandon High school from which job she retired.

Her family meant everything to her and she was always there to help, encourage and make special memories. Her greatest accomplishment outside her family was the work she did for the Lord and sharing His words with many others. Joy not only was an accomplished writer but she also did beautiful watercolor paintings. Joy’s love for helping people prompted her to be a very active member of Bell Shoals Baptist Church. Her desire to continue to educate others led her to teaching English as a second language to foreign students through USF and her church. Joy was blessed to have the opportunity to make three teaching/mission trips to China in 1995,1996, and 2000. On her 80th birthday, Joy travelled back to China by herself to visit her friends. She loved her students and they loved her in return. She moved to Lakeland in December 2011 to be closer to Lynn’s family and attended Bethel Baptist Church. Joy’s friendship, talents, her beautiful smile, zest for life, great cooking and undying love will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Her name “Joy” was exactly what she brought to all the many lives she touched. A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m., Friday, August 10, 2012 at Bell Shoals Baptist Church Chapel, with a visitation reception following. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to Good Shepherd Hospice, Bell Shoals Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.