Joy Carlene Dowty, 90, of Paris, Tennessee, died Sunday, November 13, 2022, at her residence.
Joy was born Wednesday, November 2, 1932, in Springville, Tennessee, to the late James Carl Merrell and the late Lille Mae Johnson Merrell.
She worked for several years at Holley Carburetor in Paris. Joy loved reading books, enjoyed flower gardening, and loved her two cats, Punkin and Daisey. She was a member of Fairview Baptist Church in Paris.
She was married Friday, April 17, 1981, to Thomas Ferguson Dowty, who preceded her in death.
She is survived by one son: Tony (April) Smith, of Jackson, Tennessee; one sister: Lynette Tillman, of Paris; two brothers: Bobby Merrell, of Paris, and Joe David Merrell, of Big Sandy, Tennessee; four grandchildren: Drew (Brittney) Pope, Brooke Smith, Addisyn Smith, and Clay Smith; five great-grandchildren; and niece and caregiver: Kathy Green, of Paris.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by two sisters: Margaret Rick and Martha Faye “Marti” Johnson; and three brothers: Kenneth Merrell, James R. “Jimmy” Merrell, and Thomas Harold “Cowboy” Merrell.
Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, Tennessee, 38242. Visitation will be Saturday, November 19, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Ridgeway Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held Saturday, November 19, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Paris, Tennessee, with Dr. Johnathan Smith officiating.
Family will serve as pallbearers.
Burial will follow the graveside service in Hillcrest Memorial Park.