Joy Hightower Davis

Mrs. Joy Hightower Davis, 90, of Winston-Salem, passed away Monday morning, January 17, 2022, at Surry Community Health and Rehabilitation Center in Mount Airy. She was born October 31, 1931, in Bethel, TN, to the late James Joseph and Mary Virginia Henderson Hightower. In 1942, Joy and her parents were among the first families moved to the newly built and top-secret Oak Ridge, TN, the production site for the “Manhattan Project,” where her father was selected to work on the X-10 mission to develop the first atomic bomb. Being a prefabricated town built in weeks, Joy was among the first graduating class of the Oak Ridge High School. Joy attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Religion. It was there she met her future husband, James Benjamin Davis. They were married in Oak Ridge and began their life together in Bristol, TN. There, Jim started with JCPenney and Joy worked as Director of Christian Education, beginning a lifelong career with the Methodist Church in numerous paid and volunteer positions. In 1958, Joy and Jim relocated to Mount Airy. Joy continued her work of service at Central United Methodist Church, first as Director of Christian Education and then she became the first director of the church’s pre-K and daycare program. It was through her work of early childhood education she recognized the need for a program for special needs children. After adding a class for exceptional children, she realized how great the need was. She then left the Central Methodist program to begin work with community members to raise money to build a new facility to house a school for special needs children of Surry County. Upon completion of the new school, Joy became the first director, spending endless hours between Dobson and Raleigh, getting the new school certified. After retiring, Joy found much enjoyment in painting and took lessons from numerous artists. She then taught art classes for many years to children in her home after school. She was a member of the local chapter of PEO, Philanthropic Education Organization, and served a term as president. Bridge Club was another hobby that she enjoyed for decades. Joy and Jim traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad. They loved spending time with their grandchildren and playing cards, which was a tradition for them all growing up. In 2012, Joy lost her husband, Jim, of 58 years. She later met Larry Kesten, who was a second chance at love for Joy. They made the most of their time together, always laughing, caring, and supporting each other. Their years of happiness and devotion were a true blessing. Joy is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, James Paul and Kim Davis of Mount Airy; two daughters and a son-in-law, Linda Davis Murray of Winston-Salem and Virginia and Hank Davis of Wilmington; her grandchildren, Ashley and Ben McIntosh, Lindsey Murray, and Sydney and Alexandria Davis, all of Winston-Salem, Ben and Ruth Anne Davis of High Point, and Taylor and Ashton Davis of Duck; and two great-grandchildren, David Riley McIntosh of Winston-Salem and Nora Davis of Duck. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Davis was preceded in death by a grandson, William David Murray, Jr.; and a sister and brother-in-law, Edith and Bruce Goode. A graveside memorial service will be held Monday, January 31, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Oakdale Cemetery, with the Rev. Danny Miller officiating. No formal visitation will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 1909 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.