Joy Ann Smith Edgar, 62 years 10 months and 25 days young, of Lake Brownwood, Texas was carried home on the wings of angels to receive her crown of jewels and be with our Lord and Savior.
She has chosen Heartland Funeral Home in Early, TX as her last place for us to visit her and we will gather there on Tuesday January 17, 2012 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. so that everyone has the chance to come and say goodbye. On Wednesday January 18, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. we will lay her down to rest in the Jenkin Springs Cemetery at a graveside ceremony. A procession to the cemetery will leave Heartland Funeral Home at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday for anyone who wishes to join.
Joy was born on February 20, 1949 in Crosbyton, Texas to Royce Clarence Smith and Estelle Ella Kinley Smith. Joy graduated in 1967 from Crosbyton High School. On August 16, 1969 she married her best friend and the man of her dreams Billy Gene Edgar in Brownwood, Texas. They celebrated 42 wonderful years together. After moving around as a military wife for a bit they settled in Bryan/College Station in 1978 and raised two sons. Joy knew in her heart that she was called by God to be a server and nurturer. After being invited by Brother Haynes to Bethel Temple they became some of the earliest members there. . She became a Sunday school teacher, started and organized Missionettes for the youth. She was also a leader of the women’s ministries and met her closest friends in life there. With God’s help, her friends and Joys nourishment and dedication she helped the church grow from 5 – 6 families to 3 – 4 hundred. She also did her part to help create Bethel Christian Academy and also became a teacher there. In 1992 they made the decision to move to the Brownwood area so they could be closer to family. Once again, she stepped up to her calling. For the next 18 years she served as Christian Educator for Word of Faith/Living Word to Victory Life Church and Academy. While fulfilling her duties at Victory Life and making other life friends she coordinated all children’s activities and lessons helping create many leaders for God. Joy was also a big part of the Brown County community and she served for the past 17 years as the general manager of Good Samaritan Ministries Joy played a major role in building up The Good Samaritan Ministries to be what it is today. She thrived helping those in difficult times. At the time she was called home she was a devout member of the Heartland Church. Her most precious accomplishment was her family. Joys favorite past times were watching her grandchildren play on the lake, feeding the ducks, fishing for perch and keeping us all organized and planning our reunions. NOBODY will ever be able to fill her shoes.
Survivors include, husband Billy Gene Edgar of Lake Brownwood; sons Steven Edgar and wife Stacie of Coleman, TX, Billy Dwayne Edgar and wife Heather of Early, TX; Daddy Royce Smith; Mother-in-law Mary Lou Edgar of May, TX; sister Mary Cantrell and husband George of Lake Brownwood; brother Jimmy Smith and wife Peggy of Joshua, TX; grandchildren Stephanie, Vahn, Christopher, Manuel, Kimberly, Amber, Bryan, and Justin; and two great grandchildren. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, whom were extremely close to her, along with multiple in-laws and friends.
She was preceded in death by her Mama, Estelle Smith, and Father-in-law George Edgar.
Friends are invited to sign the guestbook at http://www.heartlandfuneralhome.net/.