Clancy Vonye (Kozial) Joy

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Memorial Services for Clara "Clancy" Vonye (Kozial) Joy, 89, of Cheek, are scheduled for 10:00 A.M., Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Cheek Baptist Church at Cheek with Rev. David Gardner officiating. Services are under the care and direction of Alexander Gray Funeral Home and Crematory in Wilson. 

Clara "Clancy" Joy, born on September 17, 1935, in Wisconsin, to the late Mr. Stanley Kozial and Mrs. Rose (Kolar) Kozial.  She passed away on February 15, 2025, leaving behind a rich legacy of love, hard work, and cherished memories.

 Clancy's early years were spent on a dairy farm, where she played a vital role in farm life, nurturing a strong work ethic that stayed with her throughout her life.  The family eventually moved to Garden Grove, California, where Clancy continued her journey, working at Knotts Berry Farm, Amusement Park. However, it was in Oklahoma that she found her soulmate, Jerrel W. Joy, who was employed at Pioneer Hardware. The couple married in September of 1962, embarking on a life filled with love and dedication to family.  Clancy's professional life was diverse and extensive. She began her career in accounting at JC Penney, where she worked diligently for many years until the store's closure. Following that, Clancy joined Dr. Roger Reed's practice, playing an instrumental role in the establishment and operation of Dr. McCulloh’s office as well. She continued her devoted service with Dr. Reed until his retirement, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her work and those she served. Clancy also filled positions at the cookie factory, Wal-Mart, and she became a beloved in-home caretaker for numerous individuals, showcasing her caring nature.  Beyond her professional pursuits, Clancy was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her favorite pastimes included working with cattle, lovingly naming each cow and heifer, and spending precious time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She found great joy in cooking birthday meals for her family, creating lasting memories around the table. Clancy held a special place in her community, frequently volunteering at Cheek Baptist Church. She expressed her love and generosity through cooking, serving, and supporting vacation Bible school efforts. Clancy's Christmas cakes, a testament to her culinary skills and creativity, were shared with many friends on Cheek Road, symbolizing her warmth and kindness.  Clara "Clancy" Vonye (Kozial) Joy will be remembered not only for her tireless work ethic and dedication to her family but also for her generous spirit and deep-rooted love for her community. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Stanley and Rose; husband, Jerrel Joy; brothers, George, Walter, and Howard.

Survivors include her children, Dawn Rudd and husband Joe, Bobby Joy and wife Claudette, Bill Joy and wife Sandie, all of Lone Grove; siblings, Margaret Hickman of Overbrook and Vince Holm of Iowa; grandchildren, Michael Rudd, April Eubanks and husband Micah, Crystal Brewer and husband Darrin, Jacob Joy, Trig Joy, and Ryan Gaither; great grandchildren, Aspen Rudd, Maverick Rudd, Lily Eubanks, Natalee Eubanks, Chevy Eubanks, Emerie Eubanks, Carson Brewer, Coby Brewer, Zakry Gaither, Ella Gaither, and Sophia Yanez; numerous nieces, nephews, other family and many friends.

Honorary bearers are Ryan Gaither, Jacob Joy, Michael Rudd, Greg Shaw, Marvin Conway, James Morgan, Carson Brewer, Coby Brewer, Darrin Brewer, and Micah Eubanks.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.alexandergrayfh.com.