Joy D. Thomas

Joy D. Thomas Age 81, was born October 19, 1937 in Elmira, NY the daughter of the late Howard and Doris (Drake) Morehouse, passed away on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, William R. Thomas Sr.; son: William R. Thomas Jr; daughter: Janet Lynn Thomas and great granddaughter: Kaitlyn Saxton. She is survived by her beloved children: Diane (Brad) Lines, daughter-in-law; Maria Thomas, Darrell (Bonnie) Thomas, Karen Paro and Michael (Dawn) Thomas; grandchildren: Christopher (Melissa), Mathew (fiancée Olivia); Janet (Fanny) and Stephanie; Crystal (James), Jessica; Adam and Emma; Amanda and Greg; 8 great grandchildren; along with several other extended family members. Joy retired from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chemung County after 20 years as a master gardener. Joy had a beautiful singing voice and at the age of 8 she tried out for the Ted Mack Amateur Hour and had a record made of her singing the Lord’s Prayer and Galway Boy. She has served as Den Mother, helped with the Girl Scouts, served as secretary of the Jackson Center United Methodist Women and was formerly vice president of the U. M. W. Joy was the president of the Student Council of the Churches of Elmira and was chairperson and organizer of the first money collection in Elmira for the United Nations’ Children’s Fund – now known as UNICEF. Joy enjoyed gardening, reading, antiques, flea markets, new recipes and cooking. Family and friends are invited to gather at the OlthofFuneral Home 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 from 3pm to 6pm. Funeral services celebrating Joy’s life will follow the visitation at 6 pm. Pastor Jennifer Wolfe will officiate. Interment will take place privately in the Jackson Center Cemetery at the convenience of her family. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to the Jackson Center United Methodist Church or to the American Red Cross. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.