More Memories of
Pastor Joy Gregory

This memorial tribute was published in the Community Living BC newsletter,
an arm of the Provincial Government serving people with disabilities.

(click to view larger size)

Memories of Joy Gregory

Since joining Joy Fellowship, Joy always felt like a sister to me (since she was like a daughter to my parents, and a sister to Gordie). Joy was such an advocate for not only all of the Joy Fellowship folks, but their families as well. Joy was always willing and able to act as a sounding board when issues arose, and she put her unbending faith into whatever response she gave. The Joy Christmas Craft Fair was Joy’s annual event from the planning, to the craft nights, to the storage setup, and all the administration required on the actual day. We all knew who was in charge and who to ask for support. But the entire purpose of the Fair was spelt out clearly that is was never about the funds being raised (although, that was important), it was more about all of us working as a team, getting to know each other, supporting each other, and feeling important in the whole process.

At our cabin, I have so many memories of walks and crib games. Working with Joy on the Joy Living Society board was a pleasure. I valued her insight on the residents and staff. I will always cherish our coffee time when she would visit to my office in Kerrisdale and we would solve the world’s problems. She came to our home and oversaw a wonderful memorial service for my father-in-law. My kids knew her as Gordie’s pastor. Joy arranged for our daughter Lindsay to complete volunteer hours in a Bethesda home. Joy brought Joy Fellowship (including Gordie) to a wonderful service at our church. Her voice and her sign language choir have always touched my heart. There are so many ways that Joy touched our family’s lives. All of my dad’s sisters at some point were involved in the Joy Fair. My cousin, Kellie, supported Joy Fellowship and volunteered at the first Joy Living Society home. For my mother, in her walk with cancer, Joy provided so many prayers and words of encouragement.

Watching in her pastoral work with Joy Fellowship, we couldn’t help but feel that Joy was able to look at every one of us in terms of our abilities, not our disabilities. That we all can contribute to God’s plan.

As Joy’s illness progressed over the past few years, I had the opportunity to deepen our friendship, by more frequent visits to her home with food (including Dix Barbecue take out). As well, I had the privilege to help support Joy in a small way as a stretcher bearer in Joy’s final years with us. (The term arose from a Christian book I had lent her at the start of her cancer treatment.) For as long as I live, Joy will always be my stretcher bearer, too.

Somewhere in heaven, there are birds singing for Joy. Joy, we miss you, but know you are now in a better place.

Mary Lou Miles (on behalf of Alan, Sean, and Lindsay)

The news of Joy's "going home" has left me with a range of emotions and memories. I am deeply happy for the new awareness Joy will receive of God's love as our Lord cares for her and she continues to experience His presence. I am saddened to have lost from my life experience the presence and ministry of a friend and colleague. Joy will be remembered by me for her compassion for others, commitment to the faith and collegial support for me. Through the years I have witnessed her capacity to serve, think carefully and act intentionally with the gifts and personal attributes given to her by God. She served faithfully in the places God had provided and made a contribution with a zeal and joy that was infectious. Her contribution to the Baptist Union of Western Canada church family will be remembered and continue to impact our ministries. I will continue to pray for her family, supportive and faithful friends and Joy Fellowship as we deal with our loss and celebrate the continuing influence of a genuine disciple of Christ.

Dr. Paul Pearce
BC and Yukon Area Minister
Baptist Union of Western Canada

I didn't actually know Joy particularly well, but what I do remember of her I remember well. I met her when she came down here (to New Zealand) as our pastor for camp. She had a very nice smile and she had a real passion for her work with people with disabilities.

I remember I asked her the first night of our Joy Ministries camp if anyone had said "Ki Ora" (hello in Maori) to her. I said "Hi" to her the next morning when I saw her. She then asked "Pardon? I'll go out (of the dining room) again and you can greet me again properly." I shyly greeted her again with Ki Ora. Since Maori isn't really spoken a lot among Europeans down here, it felt very strange having someone ask me to greet me in that language.

She also visited my Joy Ministries branch, which is in East Auckland, which was an unexpected surprise. I am glad I met her.

Annette Perkins

Thank you

 Joy Gregory

 for the wonderful

 legacy you left

 for us.