Joy Ann Hayes, 84, loving mother, grandmother and GG, left this world to be with her heavenly father and family on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Joy was born on March 9, 1939, as Joy Ann Perkins, daughter of John “Perk” Perkins, and Erma Wright. In 1956 she married James L. Reynolds, and together they had four children, Debra, Donna, James and Darin. They later divorced and Joy was blessed to have found love with William H. Hayes, who she married in 1973 and shared 47 years of marriage before Bill passed away in March of 2020. Bill and Joy, together with other family members, founded the Family Worship Center in Keokuk, Iowa, where they would pastor for many years. Joy had a great love for God and for her church and dedicated her life to her church community. Joy was also an amazing mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. She loved her family with all her heart and enjoyed many family vacations and holidays, especially Christmas. Joy loved the holiday season and Christmas shopping. She also enjoyed yard-sale trips with her daughters and sisters; resale shops; and her favorite – Von Maur shopping; playing games with her family; and watching the grandchildren swim in her pool. She shared fond memories of her youth of square dancing with her father, and softball games with her friends. During her lifetime, because of her incredible work ethic, Joy worked at different factories, drove semi-trucks, and eventually retired from Dial Corporation.
Joy is survived by her children, Debra Saunders, James (Chandra) Reynolds, and Darin (Andrea) Reynolds; her stepdaughter, Brenda (Greg) Morgan, her nine grandchildren, Ross (Sarah) Braden, Jill (Adrian) McKay, Ashly Sholl, Amanda (Joe) Nelson, Jimmy Reynolds, Jordan Reynolds, Jacob Reynolds, Ryan Reynolds and Luke Reynolds. She leaves a legacy of 15 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. She also is survived by her loyal dog, Ruby. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her daughter, Donna, her parents and two sisters.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. A memorial service will be held Friday, December 8, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at Family Worship Center, 2439 Belknap Blvd Keokuk, IA 52632 with Reverend John Happs officiating. A dinner and fellowship will follow the ceremony. Burial will be held at a later date in Gethsemane Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Family Worship Center. Online condolences to the Hayes family may be left at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com.
