Joy Wilson

Joy Wilson, aged 90, of D’Iberville, MS passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024 in Gulfport. 

Joy was born to Elsie Tisdale on February 1, 1934. She attended Broome School and was a proud captain of the basketball team, a sport of which she was an avid fan her whole life. She went on to play basketball at Perkinston Junior College and later passed on her love of basketball to her granddaughter, Katie. Joy married Leo Wilson in December of 1956 and they shared a happy 37 years together in which they lovingly raised two sons, Andy and Corky. They were devoted members of Larue Baptist Church for many years. She dedicated herself to working at Safety Systems, a career which she was passionate about for over 57 years. Joy set an example for her children and grandchildren about work ethic and loyalty.

When she wasn’t working, she loved to cook and spend time with her granddaughters. Amongst her many wonderful recipes, she passed down her favorites of fried chicken, pancakes, and spaghetti. She was an incredibly generous “G-ma” and will have an everlasting impact in their lives. She was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Joy is preceded in death by her husband, Leo; mother, Elsie; beloved grandparents, Joe and Annie Cates; son, Wayne “Corky” Walston; and various members of the Cates family.
 
Joy is survived by her son, Anthony (Tonya) of whom she was so proud; granddaughters, Meghan (Garrett) Law, Katie (Ben) Otten, and Natalie (Micah) Jeffcoat; and three great-grandchildren, Leo, Max, and Henry Otten.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Joy’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital @ https://www.stjude.org/donate or 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
  
Funeral Services will be held at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Howard Avenue in Biloxi on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 10:00 am. Friends may visit from 9:00 am until service time. Interment will follow at Larue Baptist Church Cemetery.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Joy Wilson.