Reverend W. Kent Joy's Obituary
Reverend Joy Obituary
William Kent Joy, 64, passed away unexpectedly February 11, 2023. He was born October 24, 1958 in Sandusky, OH to Lowell and Virginia Joy. He lived in Lakeside, OH and was a 1976 graduate of Danbury High School. The following fall, he met the love of his life, Julie and they were married August 6, 1977. Kent worked at the family Lakeside Marine and served as a volunteer EMT/Firefighter before returning to school to follow his calling to serve the Lord. He graduated from University of Toledo and then served at Park Avenue UMC, Amherst while attending Methodist Theological School in Ohio. He served at Newcomers Chapel UMC, Birmingham UMC, Berlin Heights Lakeview UMC, First United Methodist Church of Mansfield and in 2015 became pastor of First United Methodist Church of Elyria. Kent, as everyone knew him, was a man of God as well as the people. He was eternally giving and always willing to offer a helping hand or loving embrace. He shared God and Jesus in a way few others knew how and lead many to Christ throughout his life. He was the knower of all things and the fixer of any house he visited. As a father, Kent was compassionate and strived to love and protect. He was always there with unwavering love, support, advice or a witty comment to make you smile. He was active in the Elyria Ministerial Association, Elyria Sunrise Rotary, Neighbor Up Elyria, Financial Stability Impact Advisory United Way of Lorain County, Urban League and We Care Elyria. Kent also enjoyed motorcycle trips with his wife, music, cooking, photography, skiing, boating, birding and fishing. As a husband of 45 years, he was the perfect fit for Julie. They were truly a match made in heaven. He is also survived by children, Caitlin (Andy) Agard, and Casey and Caleb Joy; grandchildren, Eliott Joy and Soren and Maisie Agard; mother, Virginia Joy; father, Lowell and step mother, Elaine Joy; and; siblings, Kenny (Sue) Joy, Kathie Joy and Keith (Kathy) Joy; sister in law, Debbie (Mike) Campbell and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother in law Marjorie Gottschalk. Friends may call Thursday, February 16, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, 312 Third Street, Elyria and also Friday, February 17, 2023 from 9:30 am until the time of an 11:00 am memorial service at the church with Reverend Dr. William L. McFadden, Reverend Bruce Hitchcock, Reverend Dr. Steve Bailey and Reverend John Butchko officiating. Burial will be in Catawba Island Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 312 Third Street, Elyria, Ohio 44035 or Bike Hope Love, 4065 St, OH-44, Rootstown, OH 44272, (https://www.bikehopelove.org/) Photo Album Visitation Thursday, February 16, 2023 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM First United Methodist Church 312 Third St.Elyria, OH 44035 Visitation Friday, February 17, 2023 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM First United Methodist Church 312 Third St.Elyria, OH 44035 Memorial Service Friday, February 17, 2023 11:00 AM First United Methodist Church 312 Third St.Elyria, OH 44035
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