ROSA “JOY” WATKINS EDWARDS
1936-2021
Joy Watkins Edwards, 85, of Nassau Bay, Texas, passed away, after a short illness with cancer, on December 15, 2021.
Vibrant, charismatic, engaging, passionate and endlessly talented, Joy was a southern beauty with an intellectual drive unique for her time that propelled her throughout her remarkable life.
Joy was born in Quitman/ Jonesboro, LA., to Lelia Pullen Watkins and Homer Edgar Watkins on November 20, 1936. Her parents provided a wonderful life on their farm for she and her sister
Flo. During these formative years in Jonesboro, Joy was fortunate to be part of a large extended family of Aunts, Uncles and countless cousins, all of whom helped shape her deep devotion for family and friends. She cherished her loving community of relatives, returning annually for a family reunion as well as keeping in touch with them personally until her death.
After graduating from Jonesboro-Hodge High School in 1953, she set her sights on the big world! Joy moved to Tyler, Texas to pursue a degree in Secretarial Science from Tyler Commercial College. There she married her first husband; William E. Tabor and her only child Cheryl was born. She broke the mold in her day by choosing to continue to pursue a career outside of the home. Her independent spirit and confident determination were passed on to her daughter and granddaughters who aspired to be like her!
Joy’s career eventually led her to work for Brown & Root Construction in Houston and finally at Rockwell International in the early years of the space mission at Johnson Space Center. She relished in the excitement of working within the space program and excelled in her responsibilities, garnishing many accolades and awards.
Her extroverted personality, work ethic, and poise supported her not only in her career but also laid the foundation for the countless friendships she made through the clubs and volunteer positions she held. A few of which were the Bay Area Symphony Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Lakewood Yacht Club Ladies Association, and the Nassau Bay Garden Club.
She married the love of her life, James Carl Edwards in 1971. Together they made the perfect pair! They balanced one another with their shared interests; entertaining, music, sailing, reading, investing in rental properties and finally in their grandchildren’s activities. Jim Edwards was her champion, and she was his greatest fan!
Joy most loved watching her family blossom, always being their number one supporter. The bond she created with her daughter Cheryl was exceptional! She focused on helping her daughter, granddaughters and greatgranddaughters grow with unconditional love, laughter, wisdom and support in every way possible.
Joy was preceded in death by her parents Lelia and Homer Watkins, Jonesboro, LA. and her sister Mrs. Flo Fowler, Destin, FL. She is survived by her husband James Carl Edwards, daughter Ms. Cheryl Edwards West, Houston, TX., her granddaughters Mrs. Alexandra West Montgomery and husband Pearson Edward Montgomery, Houston, TX. and Miss Michelle Helene West, Chicago, IL.
Her great-granddaughters Madeline West Montgomery and Hadley Greer Montgomery, Houston, TX.
A Celebration of Life for Joy will be open to all friends on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at Lakewood Yacht Club, 2322 Lakewood Yacht Club Drive, Seabrook, Texas from 12:30 – 2:30 in the afternoon.