Obituary

Petersburg, TX - Joyce “Joy” M. Hood completed this life’s journey on February 17th, 2022. Joy was born in Dade City, Florida on January 10, 1938 to Smokey Thomas and Jessie Healea. Joy referred to her life as “Joy’s Journey”. In 1953, while in her early teens, she met and married Huey “Hugh” Hood, and they celebrated almost 68 years together. Joy knew she wanted to be a mother and together she and Hugh had 5 daughters. Joy’s journey - her story - is one of strength, faith and joy.

Although Joy experienced polio at the early age of 6 months and had challenges walking throughout her life, she did not let it stop her and she never lost her JOY! She was courageous and bold and full of faith in her Savior Jesus Christ. She introduced her daughters and many other children to the Lord as she faithfully taught Sunday School for many years. In her later years, when no longer able to walk, she increased her scope through social media and online prayer groups, to encompass and touch people across the globe as a prayer warrior. To sum up her life is not easy. Joy was truly an inspiration as she made the most of very difficult situations, coming through them all, victoriously.

Prior to a successful 20-year career as an AVON Representative, and several years as a Mary Kay Representative, Joy enjoyed many years in the real estate industry. In 1992, when she and Hugh moved to Petersburg, Texas she especially cherished being “The AVON Lady”, providing products to hundreds of customers who quickly became her friends. Joy was a hard worker and achieved the level of an AVON President’s Club Awardee for 18 years.

Joy is survived by her five daughters and their husbands, Vickie and Dwight Kern of Rio Rancho NM, Nena and Steve Scrambling of Rio Rancho NM, Jan and Todd Measles of Petersburg TX, Shari and Scott Barnes of Lubbock TX, Dawn and Kraig Bowen of Henry NE; her brother Terry Matthews of Zephryhills FL; 10 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren; as well as many other extended family members across the US.

Joy was predeceased by her husband, Hugh Hood, her parents Smokey Thomas and Jessie Healea, and her brother Bobby Thomas.

The service to celebrate Joy’s Journey will be held at The First Baptist Church in Petersburg, TX on Monday February 21, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. Central Time. Burial will follow at the Petersburg Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors in Plainview, Texas.