Joy Knowles

Joy Gullion Knowles, 92, passed away early Saturday morning, December 1, 2018 having been surrounded by loving family from all over the country.  Joy was the only child of Fay and Hulda Gullion.  She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 61 years, Donald R. Knowles.  She was the loving mother to and is survived by; Nora (Lee) Cordrey of Thornton, CO, Dona (Richard) Spicer of Orlando, FL, Lora Jones of McCordsville, IN, and Robert (Jenny) Knowles of West Lafayette, IN.  Joy was the adoring grandmother of 9 beautiful grandchildren; Alex (Anna) Cordrey, Anne (Scott) Smith, Julie (Jerry) Duncan; Eric (Ashley) Knowles, Nathan (Lauren) Knowles, Brian (Mindy) Knowles, Kaitlyn (Jeremy) Lemming, Lisa Jones, and Leanna Jones.  Affectionately known as “GiGi” by her 12 great-grandchildren Karly, Jayci, Liam, Charlie, Sarah, Jade, Juniper, Jasmine, Isaac, Luke, Charlotte and Jonathan her family continues to grow and carry on her legacy as we welcome 2 more great-grandchildren, Colton and Dexter, in the coming weeks.

Joy graduated from Howe High School and Bliss Business College in Columbus, OH and met the love of her life, Don, while attending Ohio State University.  They married in 1948 and began growing their family the following year.  While Joy worked in several positions in Zanesville, Cincinnati, Evansville, and Indianapolis, her true passion was in practicing her faith and serving the needs of her community in many impactful ways.  To name a few of her accomplishments, Joy completed a term as president of the Welcome Wagon non-profit organization, served as a Mother Advisor to the Rainbow Girls in Oaklandon, and was proud to be a Deacon at Christ Presbyterian Church in Lawrence, where she developed lifelong friendships.  Joy was honored to receive the Mayor’s Community Service Award for her years of service to her community, and was presented with a brick along the Canal Walk in downtown Indianapolis.

After Don’s passing in 2009, Joy found comfort and companionship with her supportive neighbors, caring friends, church community, and dedicated bridge group.  She was so grateful to each of you for your kindness in bringing her meals, helping care for her home and beloved cat, Rascal, and your assistance in carrying out traditions which were so important to her, like celebrating the spirit of giving at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Joy loved absolutely everything about these holidays.  She had a special way of bringing people together and reminding us all of the importance of friends and family.  Her spirit will live on in us, as we will continue to light candles in her memory at the Thanksgiving table to express all of the things for which we’re thankful.  Just a week ago, as Joy sat at the head of a table of 27 family members, she asked that we continue loving one another, and to carry on these special gatherings with family.

Please join us at a visitation from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on Monday, December 3^rd at Flanner and Buchanan – Washington Park East.  A celebration of life service will be held at 6:00pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joy’s memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society www.nationalmssociety.org or Shriners Hospitals for Children www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org