After graduating from high school in 1945, Joy spent a year working for the FBI in Washington, DC. In 1950, she graduated from Jacksonville State University with a B.S. in Educations and a Minor in music. She later earned a Masters in Library Science from Peabody College. Joy married Woodrow Albea in 1952 and they made their home in Anniston. They were members of Parker Memorial Baptist Church where she expressed her love of music by singing in the choir. Joy blessed the lives of many students with her enthusiasm, organization, and wisdom during her 30 years of working as a librarian in the Jacksonville and Anniston school systems. She taught speech classes at Gadsden State Community College and worked as a mentor for student teachers. After retiring, Joy opened a quilt shop, The Quiltique, in Anniston. Her creativity and gift for teaching the art of quilting inspired and challenged many. Her quilting retreats will be warmly remembered by all who had the privilege to attend. In addition to making quilts for her family, Joy was an avid contributor to the Wrap Them in Love Foundation, an organization that distributes donated quilts to needy children. Many around the world continue to be warmed by her beautiful handiwork. In 2002, Joy returned to her childhood home of Collinsville. She became a member of Vernon Baptist Church and enjoyed taking part in the Singing Seniors. Joy's love of children, love of
books, love of quilting, love of her hometown, continued after she moved
back to Collinsville. |
