Joy Ruth Woodall

Memorial services for Joy Ruth (Harrington) Woodall, 78, of Skiatook, were held Friday, October 2, 2015 at Johnson Funeral Chapel in Sperry, OK. Reverend Eric Priest officiated.

Joy was born March 19, 1937 in Decatur, AR to Ernest Earl and Violet V. (Martin) Harrington. She passed away September 29, 2015 in Skiatook, OK.

Joy grew up in Decatur, AR, where she attended school, before moving to Arkansas City, KS. She has lived in Sperry, Skiatook, Collinsville and Berryhill. She married the love of her life, Billy Dean Woodall on May 17, 1971 in Craig County, OK. She was heartbroken at his passing on February 4, 1999. Between them, Bill and Joy had 10 children. Joy was a proud and loving grandmother. For most of her life, Joy was a caretaker to others; she raised many children and grandchildren, and cared for her mother-in-law, daughter Cheryl and husband Bill. Her love and care extended beyond the bounds of her family, as she worked in a nursing home caring for others, and then cared for puppies and dogs at the dog kennel she owned. Joy also worked for John Zink Company before establishing and running Joy Fence Company for many years. She loved to sing and play guitar, and often entertained family and others with gospel and country music. As a young girl in Decatur, she taught herself to yodel, and enjoyed listening to the sweet music echo back across the hills. She also wrote many of her own songs, and declined a recording contract to stay at home and raise her children. Joy was deeply religious and read her Bible every day. Known for her lively spirit, outspokenness and loving warmth, Joy was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her children, Patricia (Taylor) Jeffries, Kenneth Wells, Luther Dean Woodall, Tena (Woodall) Buckley, Samuel Woodall, Penny (Woodall) McFee, Hope (Woodall) Covington and Billy Jo (Woodall) Washington; 28 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren and two more on the way; sisters, Virginia and Carolyn; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Woodall; parents, Ernest and Violet Harrington; children, Doug Woodall and Cheryl Woodall; siblings, Earl Leroy, Jay Dee, and Helen; and one great-grandchild.