Joy A. Leighton, 94, of Central, Arizona, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2023.
Joy was a force to be reckoned with by all who knew her. She was loyal, kind, and brave. Her life is a shining example of never giving up and persevering to the end, even when things get tough.
Joy was raised in New Mexico and Arizona. She graduated from Central High School in Kirtland, New Mexico and briefly attended Eastern Arizona University in Thatcher, Arizona. She always said that her favorite home was in the Angle Orchard where she lived when she was young. Having a big, strong dad and a hardworking, kind mom, she felt secure there. After her marriage, she settled in the Gila Valley, spending 60 of those years in Central.
Joy started working at a telephone office after her freshman year of college. This was a time when telephones had no dials or buttons and calls required an operator to connect the line. Her boss told her that she was a very good operator because she quickly understood which line was being requested and could complete the call efficiently. Her children loved hearing old stories about how she worked at the switchboard and the time she answered emergency calls.
Joy’s greatest love was her family. She spent hours rooting for them, serving them, and defending them. She worked tirelessly to provide opportunities and promote peace in her home and relatives. Many quiet philanthropic acts took place as she responded and met the needs and desires of those around her. One story after another comes to light when she reached out to others with her compassion or with the means to encourage someone else. She really made the world a better place.
After many years of parenting, Joy felt the need to get back to work. She spent the next 30 years working at her GCARC, now known as the Graham County Rehabilitation Center (GCRC). She was very loyal to her developmentally disabled clients and became their advocate. This her job required her to learn many new skills such as her bookkeeping, grant making, office management and communication her skills. Although she often felt overwhelmed, she never felt proud to ask for help to learn from others with the skills she sought. She started as her office assistant and many years later worked in various capacities as a director and board member. Her leadership has helped the organization through a few years of great decline. She retired several times, but she came back to help again when called. Ms. Joy was nearing her final retirement and was given an honorary status in recognition of her many years of service.
Joy enjoyed walking and talking with her friends, trying new recipes, and reading. She also enjoyed listening to her gospel country songs accompanied by her acoustic guitar and fiddle music. Joy liked picking up clean stones on her way, especially white ones. In her later years she took cooking, piano and watercolor classes. Her learning achievements are a great legacy for her family.
Joy was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She is a talented teacher and she used to teach different age groups. Most of her teaching was in Relief Society women’s groups. Joy never came to class without reading and praying for hours on the topic of discussion. She has inspired many women with her earnest and sincere efforts to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Even in her later years, when attending her church was very physically difficult, she wanted to be there. She had great love for her Savior and her people.
Joy’s husband, Ray Leighton, died before her. Her sons Ramel Leighton and John Leighton. Her parents Andrew and Zeleta Angle. Her siblings are Edith Higgins, Carol Picha, Laila Higgins, Velma Millett, Andrew Lafay Angle and Merlin Angle.
Joy is survived by daughters Carolyn (Brent) Payne, Laurie (Kevin) Clough and Liz (Tim) Graham. 16 grandchildren. She has 39 great-grandchildren – and she has two more coming soon. Brother Eldon Angle and sister Betty Larson.
Joy’s funeral will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in Temple View Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Bishop Phil Cook of the Second General Ward. The closing ceremony will be held in the central cemetery.
The family will welcome friends at the Vining Funeral Home on Friday 7 July 2023 from 6pm to 8pm and Saturday morning 8 July 2023 from 9am to 9:45am. , Temple View Chapel Relief Society Room of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Online condolences can be provided at: www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements will be entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
