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Joy Leona (Baylor) Crissman

Posted 2018-08-14 by Sharla
Wickenburg Funeral Home & Crematory,
Wickenburg, Arizona

Joy L. Crissman
May 26, 1928 - August 8, 2018

Joy Leona Crissman, age 90, passed away on August 8, 2018 in Surprise, Arizona. Joy was born May 26, 1928 in East Franklin, Pennsylvania to John & Helen Baylor.

She was preceded in death by husband Vernon in 1985.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church in Wickenburg with interment to follow in the Wickenburg Cemetery.
~~~~~
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ
August 15, 2018, Page A-3

Joy Crissman
May 26, 1928 ~ August 8, 2018

Our beloved mother and every one "Gramma Joy' passed through the gates of heaven and into glory on the morning of Aug. 8, 2018. Joy Leona was born to John and Helen Baylor at East Franklin, Pa., on May 26, 1928, and was welcomed home by older sister Emma, kid-sister Ruth and younger brothers Ward and Paul. She grew up quickly during the difficult years following World War II, and shortly after eighth grade she entered the work force. In 1947, she met a handsome young man by the name of Vern Crissman, who was discharged out of the Navy, at a skating rink and it was love at first sight. They were married shortly after at the United Methodist Church in Leechburg, Pa., while their best friends Eddie Baylor and Sue Grimes were married just a few blocks down the street at the Lutheran church. They were able to borrow a car from an uncle and all four of them drove to Niagara Falls together for their honeymoons. Each room had twin beds and they laughed about the situations. In the years to follow four children would be born to the happy couple, Sharon, Linda, Verne and Sam. Joy was often involved in businesses with her husband, usually small diners and sandwich shops.

In 1961 a business opportunity opened up in Arizona for her husband and he hitchhiked his way across the United States to Circle City, an upstart new community modeled after the famous Del Webb's Sun City. They ran the restaurant and motel there for only a few months before the development turned sour, so the family turned its eyes on Wickenburg and set up residence there. Joy took in laundry, washed windows and did what she could to make ends meet. Soon she found employment at notable town cafes and restaurants, namely the Horse-Shoe, Ted's Cafe and finally the grand and then famous, Gold Nugget Restaurant. She always worked the breakfast shift, so she could be home for her kids when they were finished with school for the day. While at The Nugget, the manager of the local Safeway store, Ray Snodgrass noticed her strong work ethic and personally aked her to come work for him at the grocery store. Thus began a career spanning 23 years.

Joy was able to purchase her own home by herself in 1968, and it was a great source of pride in her life. Sadly, her husband passed away after a long illness and lengthy time in a care facility in Sun City in 1985. Everyone in town knew Gramma Joy, especially the many kids that lived near her home at 189 Genung Ave. Her freezer was always stocked with popsicles and ice creams and her bread drawer was always full of cookies and treats. She loved them all...and had a very special place in her heart for all the children on the street.

Joy was a great lady, quick to smile never to complain and was always kind and generous to anyone in need. She will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Join us to pay tribute to her at the first Presbyterian Church, Saturday, Aug. 18 at 11 a.m. in Wickenburg. She loved bright colors and lots of bling. So please dress as she would if you can. Graveside service will follow at the Wickenburg Municipal Cemetery and she will be laid to rest there with her husband. A lunch reception will follow at the Elks club also here in town. Thank you all for loving her as much we did.

See Also: Find A Grave




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