Clara Joyce Bradstreet was born June 1, 1929 to Eula and Marvin Bradstreet and was known as Joy or Tincy to friends and family. Joy and her twin sister Floy grew up on a farm in Wheeler, TX with 7 siblings, including older brothers Roy and Coy who were also twins. Hearing stories of Roy, Coy, Floy, Joy, and their little dog Toy will bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Joy was a graduate of Wheeler High School, and she worked as a nurse’s aid at the Pampa Hospital. While walking to church in Pampa one morning, she met the love of her life, Stinson Garrison. Stinson went to church with her that day, and they married on August 12, 1951. Stinson served in the Air Force in Albuquerque, NM where they had their first two children, daughters Sharon and Angela. Joy and Stinson then moved to Borger, where their son Mark was born. They shared 35 years of marriage before Stinson’s death in August of 1986.
Joy’s deepest loves were her Christian faith and her family. She was an active member of Gateway Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Borger. God’s purpose for Joy was fulfilled as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. MaMa (“MawMaw”), as her grandchildren called her, cooked amazing food and spoiled her family with chicken and dumplings, fried chicken, and chocolate pie. She lovingly made each of her grandkids personalized crocheted afghans. When Stinson was alive, he and Joy built a playhouse for their grandchildren on their back porch, complete with shutters, flower boxes, carpeting and electricity. Joy had her garage converted into a playroom for her grandchildren then filled it with toys and even a Nintendo game system. Her home was often a comforting spot for friends and family with plenty of candy bars, Dr. Pepper, and Juicy Fruit gum. Her family will lovingly remember her quirks such as “MaMa Droppings”, which were little tissues she left in her wake.
Joy volunteered with Living Waters clothes ministry, enjoyed playing dominoes with friends and was always on the go. She traveled all over the world, including Hawaii, Nova Scotia, and Bahrain. Well-known in Borger for her delicious beans, she served her friends, beloved Sunday school class and church members at many fellowship gatherings. Music was an essential part of Tincy’s life. She and her family spent many gatherings singing and playing guitar and piano. Joy could yodel, and it was always such a fun, entertaining treat for everyone.
The last years of Joy’s life were spent living in South Texas near her family. Floy lived just down the hall, and the twins enjoyed riding their scooters around the retirement community together.
On the morning of January 22, 2022, Joy passed peacefully in her sleep at the age of 92. She was a tiny woman that made a big impact on many lives. She leaves a legacy of a strong Christian faith and a large but close family. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7.
Joy is preceded in death by her parents and 7 brothers and sisters, her husband Stinson, and granddaughter Emily Jane Garrison. She survived by her twin sister Floy Larkin of Sweeny and Pampa; and her children Sharon Kennedy and husband Rennie of Richmond; Angela Ronayne and husband Thomas of Sweeny; Mark Garrison and wife Michelle of Lake Jackson; and Teresa Whitaker and husband Russell of Lake Jackson. She is also survived by grandchildren Kevin Kennedy and wife Lorra of Montrose, CO; Sarah Luna and husband Joe of Helotes; Casey Ronayne and wife Kristina of Keller; Allison Satterwhite and husband Ben of Lakewood, CO; Nicholas Ronayne and Natalie George of Austin; Jeannie McGee and husband Travis of Angleton; Levi Garrison of Angleton; Jennifer Pohl and husband Kasy of Ames, IA; and James Wismer of Story City, IA. She leaves a legacy of great-grandchildren, as well: Adriana Williams, Rubee Garrison, Alyssa and Eli McGee, Logan and Travis Ronayne, Corinne and Gavin Luna, Jack and Grant Satterwhite, Trenton Lack, and Charlotte and Lilly Pohl.
A graveside funeral service will be held at Highland Park Cemetery in Borger, TX on Saturday, January 29, at 2 p.m. with Keith Larkin officiating. Pallbearers are Kevin Kennedy, Casey Ronayne, Nicholas Ronayne, Levi Garrison, Joe Luna, Ben Satterwhite, Travis McGee, and Dustin Larkin. Joy would want you to be comfortable during the service, so feel free to bring a lawn chair. Masks and social distancing are encouraged.
Services are entrusted to Brown Funeral Directors, Borger.
Published by Borger News Herald from Jan. 29 to Jan. 30, 2022.
