Joy Simmons Everitt, age 82, passed away peacefully October 3, 2012,
with her family by her side. Joy's beauty, grace and love of life
were celebrated as she accepted her greatest promotion to join the
ultimate love of her life, Jesus Christ.
She was born February 2, 1930 in Wausau, Florida to Cuy Simmons and
Eva Wilcox; she was one of five children. Her childhood was happy and
filled with love. She graduated from Chipley High School; Joy was kind
and always the proper southern lady.
High school sweethearts, Joy met Waller, her knight in shining armor
and she instantly knew she wanted him to be hers. They married in
Donaldsonville, GA on December 24, 1948. They have three children and
being a mother was central to Joy's life. She was a constant example
of Christ, especially evident in the nurturing of her family.
Life is all about living with intention, and Joy lived daily out of
purpose filled intention. Joy was known for her kindness. If you have
met Joy, you have felt the Savior's love. She loved others the way the
Savior asked us to love—unconditionally and without reserve.
Joy's three children were born to a mother who cherished them and
their differences, a mother who was constant in her love, guidance and
example. With unwavering strength, Joy endured the untimely passing
of her only daughter Debbie. Through her unimaginable grief, she was
a source of great comfort to her family; with quiet confidence she
consistently displayed complete trust in the perfect will of God.
All of her grandchildren know secretly that they are their
grandmother's favorite. She spent every moment she could with them,
with her favorite display of affection being the pleasure of cooking
whatever they desired. Her home was always open and everyone felt
welcomed and known by her. She was a mother to all.
Joy happily chose to serve; spending her days in constant service of
others. She was a proud and faithful member of Wausau Assembly of God.
She spent over forty years working as church secretary, magnifying her
calling through service. She spent over thirty years as a social
worker for Department of Children and Families.
Joy lived a life of optimism and faith. She led her family with her
example of turning to Christ and finding strength in Him.
She chose to be humble. She chose to be loving. She chose joy. And her
children and grandchildren watched and learned. They know where to
turn for peace because they watched their mother and grandmother find
it in Christ.
We choose now to honor her legacy with laughter and love while being
ever-serving and faithful.
Joy Simmons Everitt is preceded in death by her husband Waller David
Everitt, her daughter, Debbie Everitt Lovett and her grandson Phillip
Everitt. She is survived by her two children: Waller (David) Everitt,
Jr., and Richard (Rick) Stephen Everitt and her grandchildren Jeff
Everitt, Andrea Everitt Gainey, Rebecca Lovett Seitz, Caleb Lovett and
Elizabeth Everitt and 6 great grandchildren. She is also survived by
her siblings: Earl Simmons, Louise Kirkland, and Lois Hiley.
A public viewing will be held on Saturday, October 6, at Wausau
Assembly of God from 8:30-10:00 am. Funeral services will be held
immediately following the viewing at 10:00 am. Graveside service will
be at Bonnett Pond Church Cemetery directly following the service.