Joy Aldythe Davey

Joy Aldythe Davey, aged ninety-one and three quarters, passed away in Jackson, MI on August 24, 2024. Born December 3, 1932, in Minneapolis, MN, she was the daughter of Franklin Perkins and Isabelle (Sayles) Perkins. Joy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald James Davey, and her daughter, Kathryn Ann Maher.

Joy grew up in Alma, Wisconsin where she once swam the width of the mighty Mississippi as a teen. After graduating from Markesan High School she went on to receive her bachelor's degree and teaching credentials from the Wisconsin State University at Eau Clair. She attended graduate school At Michigan State. 

The quintessential teacher, Joy taught high school English at Iron Mountain, Chassell, Jackson High, and was a permanent fixture as a substitute at Parkside High. She also worked for Jackson College where she took great pride in teaching at the Michigan State Prison. She later served the community as a volunteer at Henry Ford hospital with 1,000 plus hours of service. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, an avid reader, knitter, card player and world traveler.

Joy married the love of her life Don Davey in Iron Mountain, MI. After moving to Jackson for Don’s work as an engineer for Consumers Power Co., they adopted three children; Scott, Kurt and Kathryn. Joy and Don were married for twenty years.  Tragically, Don passed in 1975. Joy raised their kids and was a very supportive parent to each.  

Joy leaves behind a legacy of love. She is survived by her sons, Kurt (Carlsbad, CA) and Scott (Ann Arbor, MI), her sister Penny Schneider (Hendersonville, NC) and her cherished grandchildren, Patrick, Courtney, Mackenzie, Rachel and Grayson. Her grandchildren will miss pulling funny pranks on her and will continue the tradition with Kurt and Scott.

Joy specifically asked not to have a funeral service. The family is honoring her wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial contributions be made to the Michigan chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving at madd.org/mi.  In her spirit, Joy would want you to go on an adventure, take a turn down a road less traveled, have fun getting lost, and make memories.

Joy will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and sister. Her kindness, generosity, curiosity, sense of humor and adventurous spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

Please express your condolences to the family at www.watson-funeral-chapels.com.

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