Memorial services for Joy M. Livingston, 80, of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 30, 2015 at the First Baptist Church with Brother Johnny Tims officiating.
Joy Livingston was born April 15, 1935, at home, in Fletcher, OK, daughter of Gaines and Pearl Walker. She was a twin to her sister, Toye. She was a happy child; always a smile on her face. As a teenager, Joy loved to sing, and had a beautiful voice. Throughout school, she competed in voice, earning superior ratings, and was offered a scholarship to Phillips University. She was a great roller skater, and as a grandma, she loved to skate backwards with her grandchildren skating towards her. At the age of 15, Joy married the love of her life, Bill, and this matrimony continued 64 years. In 1953, they welcomed their first daughter, Vicki; and in 1955, a second daughter, Toye. Following Toye’s birth, college and Bill’s career took the family to Edmond, OK; then to Lawton, where Bill taught high school.
In 1961, the family relocated to Chickasha, and Joy and treasured motherhood. In all she did; she did with great love. Throughout the 1960s, Bill was an entrepreneur, and Joy “took care of EVERYTHING else.” She enjoyed being active in politics and was a strong voice in the Democratic Party, as well as co-chair of the Grady County Democratic Party. Her favorite political memories were going to the White House for presidential inauguration of Lyndon B. Johnson, and serving as an active campaign leader for her friend, Governor David Walters. During this time, Bill and Joy also owned the Best Western hotel; and Joy loved pool time with her girls. In the late 1960s, Bill and Joy purchased and moved to Livingston Farms. In the 1970s and 80s, Joy continued to dab in politics and real-estate; however, she took the most pride in becoming “grandma” to her 5 young grandchildren, and making life-long memories on the farm. She loved to swim; play grocery store, school, and restaurant; and to cook for and with them.
In the mid-1990s, Joy became a great-grandmother, and she was over-joyed being “Nanny.” Bill and Joy moved onto Country Club Drive, where she treasured every second spent with her growing family. She loved spending time at the lake; weekend trips with friends; traveling with family; and was an avid sports fan, especially for the OKC Thunder and Sooner Football. Joy believed that a family is where life begins, and love never ends. She said “I love you” continuously and consistently, and nobody ever questioned her love… She SHOWED it. To the world, she was a mother; but to her family, she was the world.
On April 26, 2015, Joy passed from this Earth at the age of 80, in Oklahoma City. She was preceded in death by her father, Gaines Walker; mother, Pearl Walker; brother, Gaines Walker, Jr; sister, Mary Martha Wint; sister, Dorothy Eichor; and brother, Roy Walker. She is survived by her spouse, Billy Jim Livingston of the home; daughter Vicki Stewart and spouse Dr. Ed Stewart; daughter Toye Reynolds, and spouse Timothy Reynolds of Chickasha. She is survived by 5 grandchildren: Billy & Amanda Moon of Chickasha; April & Billy Downing of Oklahoma City; Kea & Jeremy Ginn of Chickasha; Dr. Linzi Stewart-Crawford & Sean of Oklahoma City; and Cole & Lindsy Stewart of Alex. She is survived by 11 great-grandchildren: Montana, Miana, Kaden, Mea, Marli, Miah, Kye, Emma, Jackson, Olivia, & Grady; and a special niece Kelly Nunn. She is also survived by her twin sister, Toye Yoder of Chickasha; sister, Anna Pearl Brown of Oklahoma City; sister, Deloris Herrin of Fletcher; and brother, John Walker of Rush Springs. She leaves behind numerous nieces and newphews and a multitude of loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donation to be made to Meals on Wheels, which provides warm and nutritious meals to Senior Citizen, whom are unable to leave their home. Joy felt honored to be able to give to all Grady County Meals on Wheels organizations, and valued their important work within our community.
The family of Joy Livingston acknowledges with grateful appreciation all acts of kindness, phone calls, cards, meals, prayer and visitation during their time of bereavement. Joy loved the Lord, and we are certain she was ready for Him when he called her home. We would like to send a special “thank you” to Dr. Don Hess and Dr. Jim Melton. She knew she was in the best hands medicine and science offered, and loved you both deeply. We would also like to commend Dr. John Williams; the staff of Oklahoma Heart Hospital; and University of Texas SW Medical Center for their exceptional care. You all brought hope, love, and comfort to Joy’s last days on Earth, and we express enormous gratitude. May God continue to bless each one of you.
Interment will be in the Fairlawn Cemetery.
Services and cremation arrangements are under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.