It is with great sadness that the family of Mrs. Evelyn W. Joy, beloved Sebastian, FL resident, announce her passing on August 18, 2023, at the age of 98.
Mrs. Joy was well-known throughout her life for being sincere and loyal, for helping others, for her sense of humor, and for loving her family and her life.
She had a deep faith in Jesus Christ and loved reading the Bible. She was an active member of the Roseland United Methodist Church and was a volunteer in the church thrift store for 17 years, a 50-plus-year member of the Eastern Star- Sebastian Chapter #204, the Order of the Amaranth-Treasure Coast Court # 76, Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America, Daughters of the Nile, Shilah Chapter #151 and the Elks Club in Sebastian and was selected as Elk of the Year from 2015-2016. She was also well-known as a fundraiser for multiple organizations.
Mrs. Joy, formerly Evelyn Mae Wright was born in Pittsburg, PA, on March 8, 1925, and was the last surviving member of the Class of 1943 of Taylor-Allderice High School.
During World War II, Mrs. Joy worked at the Navy Yard and Atomic Energy Commission in Washington, DC. Mrs. Joy was a pioneer among women, being the first female civilian to fly solo from the airstrip at Fort Meade, MD.
Mrs. Joy was the daughter of Ernest Wright of England and Verna Hazel Brown of Pennsylvania. She was married to Henderson Haigler Ryder and later to Wendell S. Joy.
Mrs. Joy is survived by her sons Mark Ryder and his wife Maricela, and Dana Ryder and his wife Sheila.
A Celebration of Evelyn’s life will be held at Strunk Funeral Home on US 1 in Sebastian, FL, on Thursday, August 24, 2023, with visitation from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and her celebration service from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
The family would gladly accept prayers, condolences, and memories shared at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
