Joy Gay Reed of Benton

Joy Gay Reed of Benton passed away at 9:52 a.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2019.

Joy lived in the Wheeling/Elm Grove, W.V., area most of her life and with her "green thumb" was an avid gardener. Joy was very athletic as she enjoyed dancing, particularly line dancing, aerobics, water aerobics, walking and babysitting her grandchildren. Also, she was very active as a member of Stone Presbyterian Church of Elm Grove, where she served as a deacon, elder, member of the kitchen crew, Hunger Cupboard volunteer and much more.

Joy was an exceptional cook and particularly enjoyed working with the church group that participated in the Wheeling soup kitchen. Joy participated in a close knit bible study group that met for 40-plus years.

When Joy was 75, she moved to Benton to be closer to her son, Larry Wilson, and his family. Joy joined Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton, where she participated in several activities and groups. Joy loved to travel and meet new people. She took numerous bus trips visiting various states but especially enjoyed foreign travels.

She was preceded in death by her two husbands, Donald Wilson in 1950 and Willis Reed in 1997; her parents Paul (Petie) Porter Nov. 11, 1966, and Naomi Nice Porter Oct. 14, 1949; and her first son, Gregory Wilson, June 23, 2013. 

Survivors include one son, Larry Wilson and wife Resi of Benton; a daughter-in-law, Pamela Wilson of Walsenburg, Colo.;  grandchildren LaRe (CA), Wendi (IL), Erik (IL), Steve (CO), Russ (CO) and Gabe (CO); and 18 great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 25, 2019, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton.

Memorial services will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, 2019, following visitation at the church with the Rev. Sammy Simmons officiating. 

Online condolences may be given at patefh.com.