Joy Janice Blessing

Joy Jenkins Blessing went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 5, 2017. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street.

Joy was born in Clovis, New Mexico on April 9, 1928 to Baylor and Birdie Lee Jenkins. She spent most of her childhood and adolescence in Gallatin, Texas.  In 1950, she married Herb Blessing and moved to Abilene. Her life was defined by her faith, her marriage, and her compassion.

Joy’s faith is her legacy. The belief in a sovereign, loving God was introduced to her by her mother. This concept was at the core of her faith and provided a reassuring source of strength throughout her life. She had a fervent desire to share her love for the Lord and the Biblical message of salvation through Jesus Christ with anyone who would listen. She was an active member of Abilene Bible Church, Child Evangelism, Backyard Bible classes, and various other women’s Bible studies. She did not fear death as her future was secure.

Her role as a wife was one she cherished – she was identified with it, dependent upon it, and completed by it. Her relationship with the love of her life began in the third grade when a little redheaded, freckle-faced boy smiled at her. They were married in 1950, and her love for him extended beyond his death in 1998. She looked forward to being reunited with him.

Her compassion and desire to help others was fostered before the age of 10 as she cared for her sick mother and then her siblings after her mother’s death. Throughout her life this kindness was extended to her family and friends. There was no disease that could not be thwarted, no nerve that could not be calmed, no tear that could not be dried, and no dream that could not be reborn with a big dose of TLC and a bowl of ice cream. She was a master caretaker, and her life was characterized by her service to others.

Joy was preceded in death by her husband, Herb Blessing, her brother, Baylor Joseph Jenkins, Jr., her first grandchild, Scott Harrison, and her infant great grandson, Levi David Blessing.  She is survived by her sisters, Joyce Barker of Sparta, Michigan, Sue Williams and husband Johnny of Rusk, Texas, and Sharon Bowling of Rusk, Texas and her sister-in-law, Imogene Blessing Arnold and husband Joel of Greenville, Texas; children Debbie Blessing Harrison and husband Jon of Abilene, Brenda Blessing Ratliff and husband Tommy of Midland, and Andy Blessing and wife Carol of Abilene; grandchildren Luke Harrison and wife Kristi, JP Ratliff and wife Sharon, Matt Ratliff and wife Kelly, Joe Bob Ratliff and wife Lindsay, Drew Blessing and wife Jennifer, Cliff Blessing and wife Allison, Baylor Blessing, Noah Blessing, and Chester Blessing and wife Jennifer, and Grace Blessing.  She also leaves twenty great grandchildren and various nieces and nephews.

Joy’s family would especially like to express their gratitude to Melissa Flores and her family. She, along with her mother, Barbara Gann, provided the kind of exceptional, daily attentiveness that eased our anxious minds. Ladies, you were an answer to our prayers as we struggled to make decisions on our mother’s behalf. We will be eternally grateful to you for the loving care you provided Mom, and for embracing her as part of your family.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Hendrick Hospice, 1682 Hickory Street, Abilene, TX 79601.

Condolences can be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.