We Remember
OXENHAM, Joycelyn (Joy) Pearl
—
Joy was born on March 27, 1932. She died July 4, 2017. She was predeceased by her parents Ernie & Mildred Oxenham and nephew Jordan Unrau. Joy will be sadly missed by her brother Bernie (Lynn) Oxenham and sister Shirley (Pete) Unrau. She was deeply loved by her 7 nieces and nephews and 19 great nieces and nephews. These were her kids too!
At the age of 11 Joy received Jesus as her Lord and Saviour. She was now God’s Child. He would be her Best Friend, Comforter and Strength all her life.
In 1951 the family moved from Nakusp to Kelowna. Soon after Joy attended Briercrest Bible Institute in Saskatchewan, graduating in 1954.
In 1959 Joy sailed to India as a missionary under Child Evangelism. She contracted a tropical disease there. After many treatments, she was forced to leave the country as a cure wasn’t possible. She had only been in India 2 years.
She worked 12 years with C.E.F. in B.C. Poor health ended her time with C.E.F.
Joy then turned her attention to getting her piano degree. With degree in hand she started teaching piano to an ever increasing amount of kids and adults. She soon was teaching as many as 75 students in one week. She taught piano lessons for 29 years until retirement.
Church work was a big part of Joy’s life. She taught Sunday School, Children’s Church, played the piano or the organ. She also sang in the choir, worship team and was the church secretary. Joy was a multitalented servant of God.
After the passing of her father in 1987, she and her mother became very close companions, living together for almost 20 years. They did many things together. Eventually Joy became her mother’s caregiver until her death at 95 in 2007.
In 2009 Joy moved into Sandalwood Retirement Resort and enjoyed the wonderful friendship with many there. Joy had many hobbies throughout her lifetime including sewing, making teddy bears, knitting, photography, china painting, ceramics, making her own greeting cards with dried flowers, reading, gardening, canning, entertaining and travelling.
Joy loved her family well; making and knitting clothes for them; giving money gifts of love. She had a great ministry of prayer and care for her beloved family and friends. How beautifully she blessed all with her loving giving heart.
In 2012 Joy came down with Nonalcoholic Sclerosis of the Liver. The many difficult side effects left her weak, weary, and in and out of the Hospital and finally to Hospice House. She travelled this traumatic journey for over five years with grace and trust In God. Today she is enjoying her final home in Heaven with Jesus whom she loved and served.
You will be greatly missed, dear Joy.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 7th at 4:30 pm at Providence Baptist Church, 2210 Stillingfleet Road, Kelowna, BC. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or to share a memory, please scroll down this page to the area called “share your condolences.”
Service
Friday, July 7th at 4:30 pm
Location
Providence Baptist Church
Being from Winnipeg, I did not know Joy as well as most of her friends there in Kelowna. However, during the many trips out there to visit my mother, I’d often have the privilege of seeing Joy. She was always so very friendly and gave the impression that going out of her way to be helpful was natural to her. She will be very missed.
Joy always lived up to her name bringing joy to all she met. She inspired and encouraged by her devotion to Christ. Joy was a great example to me and will be always be remembered for her kindness. We will be praying for those left behind.
Cal & Sharlene Gray
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Joy.
It was a great privilege for me to have known Joy and experienced her great love for our Lord in her daily life.
A memorial donation has been made in Joy’s name to Resurge International. This organization provides free re-constructive surgeries to children around the world. Joy and I shared this passion for missions for children.
I only knew Joy through a friend but her beautiful kind nature left an imprint on my heart ❤️. So sorry for your loss.
Dear Pete and Shirley and family: Please accept the sincerest condolences and sympathies of all of us at First Baptist Church Vernon BC. How precious that Joy’s life was completed so wonderfully here on earth and that her coronation day in heaven has now come!! May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you at this time of sorrow and at the same time rejoicing that Joy is now at home and at peace in the presence of God and our Lord Jesus Christ!! – Pastor Karl R. Janzen
Condolences from Henry & Elaine Dirkson and Henry & Marilyn Willms
Joy taught my sister and I piano for several years when I was little, I still remember one song! I had thought of her in years she was such a lovely lady.
Thinking of you all. Joy was a very special lady.
Dear Pete &a Shirley, Bernie and Lynn.
What happy memories! Joy was one very special lady who radiated Christ and impacted our lives- only Heaven will reveal how many. God’s comfort be yours at this time of such personal loss. Much love and prayers. Reine and Joan
What joy there must be in heaven at this homecoming. How well I remember Joy’s smile and laughter when I was one of the young people at what was then Faith Gospel Church. She teased and celebrated us, and our youthful antics and drama. Whenever I remember those days, she is in the background, eyes twinkling. She spread joy around her with her good nature and simple devotion. I am sad to hear of her passing, but blessed to have known her and her parents. My condolences to all who grieve her passing and greetings to old friends from Faith GC. I’m sorry that I am away, so I can’t come to her service.
I remember Joy playing the piano and organ all the time at church when I was a child.
She was a special lady. My Condolences go out to the family
Bob Millard and family