Judith Ender Joy passed away May 9, 2020 in Oklahoma City, OK. Judith was born in Pittsburg, PA January 5, 1944 to Frederick and Selma Williams. She graduated from Washington Hospital School of Nursing in 1966. Judith never regretted her choice of nursing and considered it a “ride” she never wanted to end.
Judy’s first job was in the operating room at California Hospital Medical Center in downtown Los Angeles. She left there temporarily to serve in the U.S. Air Force Reserve as a flight nurse during the Vietnam War. After attending flight nurse training at Brooks School of Aerospace Medicine in Texas, her active duty consisted of flying the wounded out of Vietnam and eventually back home. She earned the commission of 1st Lt. Nurse in the Air Force. After nursing certification in California, she joined the Air National Guard. Judith considered this a fantastic experience and privilege.
After being honorably discharged, Judith went back to California Hospital and was given the head nurse position in the emergency room and, nine years later, served as the Department Head. Judith considered this a “battle field” because they often took care of the Los Angeles Fire Department rescue ambulances which kept her ER constantly packed with police officers. To keep up with both sides, she became a reserve policewoman, but the moment she had to draw her weapon, she decided to stick with nursing.
Judith stayed working in the ER until she went back to night-school and stared working part-time in the OR. It was at this time she agreed to a blind date that turned into her 29-year marriage to Stephen Joy. Stephen worked for Disney which gave them opportunities for travel during their marriage.
In 1991, Judith’s health started to fail and by 1996 she was no longer able to work. In 2002, Judith was told she only had two months to live and her family decided to move her to Oklahoma. Judith, after being diagnosed with cancer and given just two months to live, experienced the miracle of God’s healing touch. God not only healed Judy physically, but also spiritually. Since Judith’s healing, she renewed her nursing licensed and completed the Faith Community Nursing Certification Program. She then volunteered both as a parish nurse at her church and at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center where she volunteered over 2,300 hours.
Judith lived by Psalm 100:2, “Serve the Lord with gladness, come before Him with joyful singing.”
Judith was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen; parents; sister, Suzanne Francis; and brother, Hugh D. Williams.
She is survived by her nieces, Kathy Dillon and Amy Hall, and nephews: Thomas D. Williams, Chrisopher David Francis, and David T. Williams.
Judith will be missed by all who knew her.
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