Joy Hesse's Obituary
October 26, 1938 – February 1, 2022
Joy Edwards Hesse, 83, died peacefully holding the hand of one of her grandsons and entered into the arms of Jesus on February 1, 2022 in Longview, Texas.
A celebration of Joy’s life will be held on Monday, February 7 at 10 am at New Beginnings Baptist Church in Longview, Texas.
Joy was born on October 26, 1938 in Stephenville, Texas the daughter of John and Drusilla Lee Edwards. Joy grew up in Brownwood, Texas, with three siblings. A daddy’s girl, she decided to be the best at everything she ever attempted. On the academic level, Joy graduated valedictorian from Early High School in 1957. She was extremely active in different clubs and organizations and advanced to the state competition in shorthand and Number Sense, winning State in her senior year. On the athletic level, she played all sports but excelled in basketball – the true love of her life, winning many awards including leading the district in scoring. It should be no surprise to anyone, Joy was voted Miss Friendly in her senior year.
Joy married Henry Hesse on July 3, 1963. In 1964, she began her favorite role of being a mom. Joy chose to devote all of her life to Brenda and Glenda and their dreams. She coached her girls, not only in sports, but was also their phenomenal life coach. She was a softball umpire and taught Sunday school for many years. Joy always gravitated to young people and had many adopted daughters and sons.
Joy met Jesus in her early childhood and began her lifelong journey serving and loving Him. She could allure you with her infectious smile where she would then share with you all about her Jesus. She was a hugger and enjoyed being a greeter at her church. In her later years she loved to play games with her ladies’ group, crochet and often made cancer toboggans and blankets for the elderly while watching her beloved sports. Joy continued her love of coaching by taking an active role in coaching many through some of life’s most difficult and trying times. She always used everything she offered to point folks straight to Jesus ~ for she knew Jesus is where the Joy is.
Joy is survived by her daughters Brenda Yelton and husband Todd of Charlotte, NC; Glenda Hesse-Hodge whom Joy lived with in Longview, Tx; brother Angus Edwards and wife Nancy of Comanche, Tx; grandchildren Nathan Blocker wife Ashley; Talon Yelton wife Rebekah; Breezy Yelton; Samuel Yelton; and Kaleb Blocker; great grandchildren Leila, Braelynn, Lana, Brody, Addalynn, and Daxton.
Joy is preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Dorothy Godfrey; Louise Lancaster; and her granddaughter Danylle Blocker.
In lieu of flowers, a charitable contribution to Joy’s church can be made to New Beginnings Baptist Church Next Gen fund 2137 East George Richey Road, Longview, Texas 75604
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