Mrs. Joy Lovorn

Betty Joy Rhodes Lovorn, 77, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2016. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayer of family, friends and many supporters carried her through the past three years while battling dementia. Known for her smile, her willingness to listen, and her creativity when helping others, Joy was the owner and creative force at Joy’s Busy Hands, later renamed Joy’s, where countless friends and customers came to design their home to be a warmer place by memorializing family heirlooms in frames, learning to quilt, cross stitch, and knit, and to share important moments. Joy was born on October 27, 1938 in Winston County Mississippi to Will Calvin and Annie Rhodes. As the middle child, she was lucky to have a big brother, Jack, to look out for her and a baby sister, Mary Jayne, to care for. She didn’t quite have the enclave she imagined, but Jack and Marguerite as well as Jayne and Wayne live within the metro area; her family is so close. Married for 52 years, Joy and Bill raised their children, Jill and Jeff, in south Jackson. Joy, the heart of our family, influenced the character and faith of all close to her through her tireless commitment to serving others. Her influence, love, and joy continues through the lives of her children and her grandchildren,Will, Sarah, and Annie. While we will miss her, we know that she continues with us. Joy is survived by her children, Jill Lovorn Gough and Jeff Lovorn, their spouses Sam Gough and Kristy Lovorn, three grandchildren Will Lovorn, Sarah Lovorn and Annie Gough, her brother, Jack Rhodes, and her sister, Mary Jayne Rhodes Bynum. She is preceded by her husband, William Hughes Lovorn, and her parents, Will Calvin Rhodes and Annie Whitten Rhodes. A celebration of her life will include visitation at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence on Monday, October 10 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and funeral services scheduled for Tuesday, October 11 at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m. in Middleton Methodist Church cemetery, Louisville, MS.. Memorial donations can be made to Hospice Ministries, 450 Towne Center Boulevard, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Joy lived every day striving to live by the greatest commandment, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:38-39 In her memory, take up the challenge to do a loving act of kindness, make someone laugh, send a card, give a hug, or say “I love you” every day.