Joy Nelson
Joy Nelson
WAUSA — Joy Nelson, 86, Wausa, died April 10, 2024, at Good Samaritan Society, Bloomfield.
Memorial services for Joy were held April 15 at Evangelical Covenant Church, Wausa.
Pastor Casey Holencik officiated, with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wausa.
Brockhaus Funeral Home, Wausa, was in charge of arrangements.
Joy Lee Lukens Smith Nelson, Honey, Sis, Mom and Grandma. Joy was named first by her parents, George and Amy (Burgard) Lukens, May 12, 1937, in Bloomfield.
Shortly thereafter, older brother, Daniel, started calling her Honey. Many throughout the years adopted that nickname as well. Her younger brothers, Dennis, Mike and John, all called her Sis as they were growing up.
In June 1960, Joy married Harry T. Smith. To this union were born children, Eric, Craig and Becky, who all called her Mom and blessed her with 11 grandchildren, whom she adored and who called her by her favorite title of Grandma.
Joy married Rowan Nelson April 25, 2004. She moved back to Wausa and embraced the opportunity to be called Mom and Grandma again by Tami and Terry, along with seven more grandchildren.
Joy grew up in the Bloomfield, Wausa and Crofton areas most of her life. She had stints where she also called California and Wayne “home.” She always loved adventures, especially with her grandchildren.
Grandma Joy cherished one-on-one time. Her ability to transform mundane tasks, tell stories and turn everything into a game was unmatched. She was creative and witty, and loved with her whole heart.
Joy learned a new art form, mastered it the best she could and then she moved on to a new one. Her gardens were gorgeous, and she loved her flowers and birds. Joy made the best cakes, for weddings, graduations and especially birthdays. She rarely said no to an idea her grandchildren gave her.
From 2001-2004, Joy earned the title of Dormitory Grandma in Anderson Hall at Wayne State College. She met an international student who invited her to her home country of Mongolia. During one of those summer breaks at WSC, Joy and her dear friend, Kay, traveled to Mongolia and China – a memory she treasured.
Joy’s first love was her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was passionate and outspoken about her faith – as we all should be. She was an active member at Evangelical Covenant Church, Wausa.
Joy was preceded in death by her parents, George and Amy Lukens; her brothers, Daniel Lukens, Mike Lukens and John Lukens; granddaughter, Greta Leigh Smith; and brother-in-law, LaVon Johnson.
She is survived by her husband, Rowan Nelson; her children, Eric (Ruth) Smith, Wayne; Craig (Colette) Smith, Parker, Colo.; Becky (Doug) Wedekind, Newman Grove; Tami Nelson, Bartlesville, Okla.; and Terry (Karla) Nelson, Wausa; brother, Dennis Lukens, Crofton; sisters-in-law, Kay Lukens, Wichita, Kan., and Nancy Lukens, Henderson; in-laws, Richard (Marge) Nelson, Beverly Johnson and Louise Nelson, all Wausa; Dorothy (Milton) Nyberg, Baltimore, Md.; and Beth Johnson, Lander, Wyo.; 17 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, with three on the way; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
