Joy Lynn Gillaspy Jeffries was born on November 25, 1945, in Miami Beach, Florida, to Edward and
Mary Alice (Gyger) Gillaspy. She was a true gift to her family, arriving as a Thanksgiving
blessing during World War II and quickly became a world changer. Joy spent her formative
years in Southern Indiana, where she cherished time with her many cousins and her sister,
Kathy. Joy was always in charge… of everything and everyone, and she also lovingly
“mothered” her baby brother, Linden Gillaspy, who was ten years her junior. In December of
1959, the family relocated to Toledo, Ohio, during Joy’s high school years.
As God would have it, Joy met her future husband, Larry, at a church youth group function.
She loved to share the story of how she saw him from across the room and knew he was
“the one.” On April 4, 1964, Joy Lynn married the love of her life, Larry Lee Jeffries of
Toledo, Ohio. From that day forward, the two were blissfully in love, referring to each other
with terms of endearment like “Lar” and “Babe.” They held hands everywhere they went and
complemented each other’s strengths and weaknesses, showcasing a love that served as a
beautiful testament to all who were blessed to know them.
Joy loved to tell everyone about her cherished husband. Together, they served in full-time
ministry with the Church of God, Anderson, Indiana as lead pastors at churches in Illinois,
Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, Florida, and Louisiana. Sharing the love of Jesus
was at the center of all that they did. Joy was also an accomplished pianist and organist,
imparting her passion for music and faith with people everywhere they ministered. Directing
children’s choirs and writing children’s musicals was another talent she freely shared to
grow the next generation of church musicians.
In addition to her ministerial work, Joy held a range of professional jobs as well. She served
as the Executive Director for the Child Protection Team in Orlando, Florida; the Director of
the Chamber of Commerce in Bastrop, Louisiana; and finally, as the Executive Director of
the Frankfort / Franklin County Tourist and Convention Commission in Kentucky when she
retired the end of 2016. During her tenure as Director of Tourism, Joy spearheaded the
development of the riverfront and the initiation of tourism on the bourbon trail, bringing vital
financial resources to the Frankfort community.
Throughout her life, Joy remained actively engaged in her church and local community,
investing in people, and glorifying her Savior, Jesus. After retiring, she devoted herself to
her Forks of Elkhorn Church community by actively participating in her Sunday school class,
teaching Grief Share, and founding a ministry for widows called Widows Connection. Joy
considered her retirement years a privileged season to focus her energy on interceding in
prayer for everyone she loved, especially her family. Joy’s days were spent in communion
with her Savior, trusting Him to answer her prayers. She diligently journaled her prayers,
documenting how they were answered. For those fortunate enough to know Joy, she truly
meant it when she said she was praying for you and would “check in” to see how her
prayers were answered by God.

On October 5, 2024, in her daughter and son-in-law’s home surrounded by her family while
worshiping her King, she peacefully passed from this life into her eternal home, where she
will rejoice with her beloved husband, Larry, and her Savior, Jesus.
Joy was preceded in death by her parents and her cherished husband. She leaves behind
three adoring daughters: Melissa Elaine Wainwright Benson (Dale), Lucretia Lynnette
Cheek (Todd), and Felicia Droze Starke (Steve). She also has five grandchildren whom she
loved dearly: Laughton Anthony Droze, Victoria Lynn Droze, Connor Scott Western,
Mikenna Joy Wainwright, and Matson Anthony Wainwright. In addition to her five
grandchildren, she also gained several bonus grandchildren to include two Western
Grandchildren (Amanda and Blake), four Starke Grandchildren (Brian, Brandon, Jason, and
Cassidy), two Cheek Grandchildren (Trenton and Tori) and three Benson Grandchildren
(Brooke, Connor, and Liam). Joy was one of three children and leaves behind her sister,
Kathryn Elaine Botz (Victor, deceased), and her brother, Linden Blake Gillaspy (Daryl). She
also has nieces and nephews who brought her immense pride. Her legacy of love, faith, and
unwavering service will continue to inspire her family and all who were fortunate enough to
know her.
A celebration of life for Joy Lynn Gillaspy Jeffries will be held at Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church,
located at 480 Duckers Road, Midway, KY, 40347on Friday, October 11, 2024. Visitation will
take place from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, followed by the celebration at 3:00 PM. All are welcome to join
us in honoring her vibrant life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to extend the
opportunity for those wanting to contribute in memory of Joy to a widow and missionary ministry
dear to her heart. Sheltering Wings has a ministry to widows in need in Burkina Faso and
contributions can be made using this link: https://sheltering-wings.org/project/women-s-crisis-center

Philippians 1:3-5: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of
you, I always pray with JOY because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day
until now.”

Arrangements entrusted to Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024.