Judith Mary Wright Joy

Judith Mary Wright Joy passed away peacefully in the early hours of April 3rd, 2024. She was born on March 15th, 1946 in San Diego, California to Dennis Orben Wright and Gene Lois (Paulson) Wright. Growing up on the little ranch in Lakeside, East San Diego County, was a wonderful experience for her. She loved the animals, trees, lawns, pool, and playing baseball in the summer evenings until it was too dark to see the ball. She loved the feeling of always being safe because both of her parents were somewhere on their ranch.

She graduated from Grossmont High School where she learned to play tennis and sang in the Red Robe Choir. She developed a deep love of music.

Judith married Gary Cole, Sr. They had four children together. She and Gary were later divorced.

She attended Grossmont College, No Hennepin Community College, BYU, and then graduated from Weber State College in 1983. She worked at Weber State until her retirement in 2009. She loved working with college students.

In 1994, She married the love of her life Ira Dale Joy, Sr. in the Salt Lake City Temple. Dale had four children of his own. She loved all of their children dearly.

Judith is survived by her sons and daughters, Roy (Tonia) Cole, Gary (Shawna) Cole, JJ (Terry) Maxwell, Jeremy (Mellyn) Cole, Eileen (Steve) Bernards, and Barbara Joy. She is also survived by 28 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ira Dale Joy, Sr.; parents, Denny and Gene Wright; sister, Carolyn (Susie) DuCharme; brother, Patrick Wright; son, Ira Dale Joy, Jr.; son, Brian Earl Joy; great grandson Luke Gardner; and great granddaughter, Sammy Jane Joy.