W. Joy Frederick

Wilma "Joy" Frederick, 83, of Bridgewater, Virginia passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024 at her home with her family by her side.

Joy was born in 1940 in Hutchinson, KS. She grew up in the small town of Buhler, KS, and graduated from Buhler High School. She went on to attend Tabor College, in Hillsboro, KS.

Joy was married in 1962 to Jeffery C. Frederick of Hutchinson, KS and they had twin sons together. Jeff was a Naval Aviator and they spent many years in San Diego during the Vietnam War era where Jeff was deployed to numerous combat tours oversees. They also lived in Pensacola, FL and Virginia Beach, VA. Joy served our country by "holding down the fort" at home. They were married for 17 years.

Joy worked as a Medical Assistant for an ophthalmologist practice and retired in 2005. She enjoyed being involved in American Association of Medical Assistants and the Christian Women's Club and was very involved with her church in Virginia Beach. It was there she met her decades long friend and companion John Mendelis. They enjoyed vacationing together and with family over the many years until John's passing in 2017.

Joy moved to Bridgewater after retirement to be closer to her sons and grandchildren. She became active in the Red Hats and various groups of card playing friends, as well as becoming an active member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. Joy had an enduring faith in Jesus and was given the gift of hospitality. She had a keen eye for beautifully decorating everything around her in order to make others feel special.

Joy is survived by two children, Duane (Deborah) Frederick, of Harrisonburg and Douglas (Dawn) Frederick, of Bridgewater; sister, Marilyn Wall, of Wichita, KS; four grandchildren, Daniel (Jenn) Frederick, Kristen (Bryce) Shank, Ben Frederick, Thomas Frederick; step-grandchild, Madeline (Sawyer) Janes; five great-grandchildren, Cora Frederick, Carson Frederick, Landon Shank, Levi Shank, Ella Shank; special nieces Debbie Sorn, Diane Schmidt, Sheri Nelson.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by sister, Shirley Pentz.

A service celebrating Joy's life will be held on June 15, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 546 West Mosby Rd., Harrisonburg, VA.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at johnsonfs.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater, Virginia.