Joy Fayard Donald 9/8/1942 - 12/14/2020
A one of a kind redhead Joy Fayard Donald gained her angel wings and crown of gold December 14, 2020 after a long and hard fought battle with Covid-19. Born in Hattiesburg, MS September 8, 1942 then growing up in Mobile, AL Joy graduated from Semmes High School before working at Mobile Gas. She became an accomplished hair stylist where her love of a good manicure and hair style guided her passion for preparing loved ones for their burial. Joy was also well known in the medical community working various career positions before her retirement.
We celebrate Joy as the newest soprano in God's choir. Her love of music was obvious to all who heard her amazing voice. Aside from singing in the Cottage Hill Baptist Church choir and later at Dayspring Baptist she sang anytime and everywhere. She supported local art and theatre and loved taking her kids to musicals of which Bye Bye Birdie and The Sound of Music were her favorites.
Her lifelong passion was art, specifically painting seascapes and the Middle Bay and Sand Island Lighthouses. She also loved God's green earth and elaborate gardening. Rainy days were spent painting while sunny days were spent gardening. She was notorious for her fabulous terry cloth rompers and worked sunrise to sunset digging, planting and designing new flower beds. If you dropped by on sunny Saturdays, she gave you a shovel and put you to work.
Joy was very particular about certain things. Thanksgiving should always include traditional dressing, cranberry sauce and a pecan pie. She loved a festive outfit, specifically her eccentric sweaters and jewelry. But foremost, Joy loved the Lord and you knew it before every meal. Raised Southern Baptist, Joy had a special talent for elaborate blessings.
She was smart, sarcastically funny, strong willed, energetic, creative and incredibly devoted to her family! Her vivacious personality always made people around her laugh. Affectionately known to everyone as Nana, she was a dedicated mother and Nana to her grandangels first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Nana. She could be found making memories with a grandchild at every chance. From sleepovers to spa days to cheering for them at competitions, Nana's legacy will definitely be her love and support for her grandangels. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will always be with us.
Survived by her children Scott Wheat, Dee Dee Raines (Craig) and Hubbard Donald Jr (Kendra), her sister Sherrie Fayard Mosley (Wayne), sister-in-law Diane Davis Fayard, grandchildren Ralph Jenkins, Emily Donald, Lauren Raines, Christopher Donald, Sophie Raines and Peyton Donald, and also cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother Hannon Elon Fayard and her parents Jack Eugene and Helen Hamm Fayard.
Per her request, we should not wear black to her funeral. She wanted us not to regret her death but celebrate her new life with Jesus. Interment will be at Mobile Memorial Gardens at 1pm on 12/30/2020.
1942-2020
A graveside service will be held at 1pm on Wednesday, 12/30/20.
