Joyce Jenkins Downs, affectionally known as Joy; a beloved mother, wife, sister, and friend, peacefully entered eternal rest on October 6, 2024, at the age of 85. Born on October 3, 1939, in Tennessee, to Conie and Evelyn Jenkins, Joy pursued her passion for beauty when graduating from Oak Ridge school of Cosmetology and became a skilled hairdresser and nail technician.

Joy's journey of love began in Oak Ridge, TN, where she met her first husband, Jack Donald Dean Sr. They were blessed with five children: Nancy Dean, Jack Dean Jr., Teena Dean-Warren, Beth Dean-Pope, and Daniel Dean. Following the passing of her first husband in 1987, Joy met Henry Bradley Downs in 1989 in Forrest Park, GA, continuing her life’s journey by finding love again and expanding her family with Henry's sons, Matthew and Michael Downs. A dedicated and loving mother, Joy's passions extended beyond family to include traveling, crafting, reading, and sharing her unwavering faith in God with those around her.

Joy was a woman of faith whose best advice was always to love and place unwavering faith in God. She believed in supporting the family through thick and thin. Joy's legacy as a mother, grandmother (mimi) and friend will be carried on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her lasting impression was filled with joy, exactly as her name suggested.

A memorial service for Joy Downs will be held on October 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Weatherford Funeral Home; 158 S Jefferson Cir. Oak Ridge, TN. This will be a time to gather, remember, and celebrate the beautiful life of Joy.

Flowers can be delivered to Weatherford Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted in Joy's memory for the Alzheimer's Association. Your contributions would be a meaningful continuation of Joy's life of caring and devotion. Donations can be made online at https://everloved.com/life-of….

She is survived by her loving husband, Henry Bradley Downs; her daughters, Nancy, Teena, and Beth; her sons, Jack, Daniel, Matthew, and Michael; her daughters in law, Cheryl, Stephanie, and Isabella; her sons in law, Ernie and Kevin; her sister, Terry Oakes; and her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews. Even though Joy has left this earth, her joyful spirit and life lessons will continue to guide and inspire us all.

As Psalm 5:11 reminds us, "But let all those who put their trust in you rejoice... let them also who love your name be joyful in you."

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