I first met Joy when we were embarking on the process which led to the grafting of a group of us from St. John’s West Ealing into St.Mellitus. From the very beginning she was warm and enthusiastic and throughout my time here has never failed to be supportive of my ministry. It did not take me long to discover how many and varied Joy’s gifts were – from music-making and flower-arranging through to garden design and banner making. Throughout these many and varied gifts flowed some common themes, notably organisational skill and humility.
Joy was a born organiser and we as a church have benefitted enormously from this. Most recently this has been seen in the oversight of the garden project and the various centenary celebrations. Many is the event that has gone well as a result of Joy’s lists, flow charts and “little meetings”. Coupled with this multi-giftedness was a truly heart-warming humility. Joy was a great peace-maker and whilst not afraid to express her own opinions and views, was always willing to listen to and value the opinions of others.
Joy showed tremendous faith and fortitude during her battle with cancer. She accepted without complaint the various treatments inflicted upon her by the medical profession and through it all bore testimony to God’s presence and upholding.
It is no coincidence that the final piece of work that Joy was involved in is our centenary altar frontal with its marvellous depiction of resurrection and life. Whilst grieving her absence here, we rejoice that she is now experiencing life in all its fullness.
