Joy Elizabeth Hill

Joy was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi on January 31, 1958 to James Winstead and Doris Guillory. Joy was their first daughter and a big sister to her little brother, Terry. Joy described herself as being painfully shy as a little girl, which was in stark contrast to her loud and outgoing brother who always tried to rope her into playing cowboys and Indians. Joy spent her childhood and young adult life in Richland, Mississippi. Joy was an active part of her church, school and community. She was a part of the music program at her church, First Baptist Richland, and frequently mentioned her fond memories of her travels and ministry opportunities with the groups “Reality” and “Adoration”. When Joy was 12, a “God-send” was sent to her family in the man of Clarence Guillory. He stepped in and took her in as his own, opening a door to a whole new world. Joy’s high school years were spent at Florence High School. She received many accolades during her four years at Florence. Her many honors included Most Beautiful, Most Popular, Most Likely to Succeed, Co-Head Cheerleader, Best All Around Girl, President of the French Club, Homecoming Maid, Drama and Debate Club Vice President, Chairman of the Treasury Committee for Student Council, and most importantly Salutatorian of her graduating class. When Joy graduated from Florence High School in 1976, she planned to attend Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi, on a full scholarship. Despite this dream of an opportunity, she felt herself being pulled in a completely different direction. Joy gave away her Elvis concert tickets and drove to Dallas, TX, just in time for registration at Christ for the Nations Institute (CFNI). Although her salvation experience was at the tender age of 11, it was at CFNI that Joy said she fully submitted to his Lordship. While a student at CFNI, she was a member of Living Praise and served on the Student Council. Some of her fondest memories were formed during her two years at CFNI. Joy graduated from CFNI in 1978 with her Associates Degree and continued her education at Oral Roberts University (ORU) in Tulsa, Oklahoma. While being at ORU, Joy was part of Prism, a traveling sign language group, the World Action Television Singers and the Richard Robert’s Crusade Team. She received the high honor of being named one of the Outstanding Young Women of America. During Joy’s junior year at ORU, she was named Miss Grand Lake and went on to become second runner up in the Miss Oklahoma Pageant during her senior year. In October of 1981 she was set up on a blind date with Larry Hill, who she affectionately called “The Thrill”. They married on August 14, 1982 and would have celebrated thirty years of marriage this upcoming August. Joy and Larry welcomed their first born, Lauren Elizabeth, on September 1, 1986, who was their pride and joy. Their middle daughter, Amber Michelle, was born on March 14, 1989 full of passion, feistiness and energy. Lauren and Amber begged and begged for a baby brother and finally got a sister, Kristin Marie on October 8, 1993. Kristin, fondly called “Spiky” had wild, stick-straight hair and the tender countenance of a porcelain doll. Joy transitioned beautifully into motherhood. She set aside all other plans and dreams and placed her heart and soul into raising her three girls. On May 23, 2009, Lauren married Johnny Gonzalez, which brought her long-awaited son and a brother into the family. Joy was a private voice and piano instructor, owning her own private studio as well as teaching at CFNI and Cedar Hill High School. She was a member of the National Teachers Music Association. She has lead worship in churches, conferences, and schools, both nationally and internationally. She also wrote music that was published as well as recorded. Joy’s life was a song. Whether that song was filled with sorrow or joy, it was always rooted in the rock of Jesus Christ. Her faith and devotion to the Lord were fiercely steadfast, even in her battle with cancer. She went to be home with the Lord on the morning of February 10, 2012. Her life was a contagious reflection of worship and love for the Lord leaving a legacy that will ripple into eternity. Joy is survived by her husband, Larry Hill, and their children, Lauren and Johnny Gonzalez, Amber Hill, and Kristin Hill. She also leaves her father Clarence Guillory and siblings Terry Winstead, Ricky Winstead, Kim Winstead, Etienne Guillory, Carol Gardner, and Brenda Garrison. A visitation will begin at 1 P.M. to 3 P.M. with a Service at 3 P. M. on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at The Village Church, 3877 Walnut Hill Ln., Dallas, Texas 75229. Additional Services will be held by the Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, MS with Interment at the Glenwood Memorial Park in Richland, MS