Joy Armice Garland

Joy Armice Garland was born November 11, 1924, in Gracemont, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Elmer Asa and Albertie (Fortune) Mauldin. Joy was raised in Gracemont a small community in Southwestern Oklahoma, where she attended school. Following the completion of her education Joy moved to Wichita, Kansas. On February 9, 1942, Joy was united in marriage to the love of her life William Andrew Garland, Jr. The two remained in Wichita until 1945. At that time the couple moved their family to Wanette, Oklahoma to help Bill’s family with the farm. In 1949, Joy and Bill returned to Wichita where they remained until 1953. In 1953, Joy and Bill moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma while Bill attended Oklahoma Baptist University. During that time Joy worked outside the home for a short time at Woolworth. Upon Bill’s graduation in 1958, Joy and Bill moved to Mounds, Oklahoma. In 1960, Joy and Bill moved to Cleveland. In 1966, the two moved to Parsons, Kansas and in 1970, they moved to Mesa, Arizona. In 1982, Joy and Bill returned to the Cleveland area while he pastored in Hominy. In 1988, Joy and Bill purchased their farm between Cleveland and Hominy. In the mid 90’s, Joy and Bill moved to the Baptist Village in Cleveland.

Joy enjoyed playing the piano. She also participated in the Garden Club for many years. Joy spent numerous hours reading especially the Bible. Joy has also been a longtime member of the First Baptist Church.

Joy went to be with her Lord and Saviour on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at Cleveland Manor Nursing Home at the age of 91 years three months and fourteen days.

Survivors are her six children Darrell and Tippie Garland of Reno, Nevada, Carey and Diana Garland of Moore, Oklahoma, Carolyn Gray of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Kathleen and Jerry Blevins of Ochelata, Oklahoma, Janice and Tom Bordigioni of Reno, Nevada, Anita and Scott Murray of Phoenix, Arizona; one brother Cecil Mauldin of Lancaster, California; thirteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and one great great grandchild as well as many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bill Garland, twelve siblings Asa Mauldin, Menzil Mauldin, Everett Mauldin, Bert Mauldin, Elden Mauldin, Luell Mauldin, Hanson Mauldin, Willie Mauldin, Melva Scarborough, Geneva Tate, Lila Coker and Noble “Sis” Hair.

Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Cleveland, Oklahoma with Rev. Gregory Hall and Rev. David Head officiating. Burial will follow in the A.J. Powell Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home. Friends may share a memory with the family at www.chapman-black.com.