Just nine months shy of her 100th birthday, Joy Elaine Marsalis Godbold passed away peacefully of age-related causes on March 25, 2022, at home in Tomball, Texas. She was 99.

Joy is survived by her sisters Helen Elise Marsalis McMillan and Betty Lee Marsalis Tucker; sons James M. Godbold Jr. and Jon M. Godbold; eight grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, James M. Godbold; daughter Jan Godbold Googer; sisters Lillian Marie Marsalis and Mary Adeline Marsalis Brown; and grandson Flynn O'Neill Godbold.

Her parents—Harry Lee Marsalis and Annie Lillian Holland Marsalis—picked the perfect name for Joy when she was born on Jan. 2, 1923, in McComb, Miss. Baby Joy would go on to find and spread joy in the lives of others throughout her long and productive life.

She married her high school sweetheart, James "Jimmie" Godbold, on July 20, 1944, as he was preparing to enter the Pacific Theater of World War II as a Marine aviator.They remained devoted to one another for 65 years, until his death in 2009.

Joy was a graduate of the Mississippi State College for Women and was an accomplished seamstress and homemaker. She remained a voracious reader of books and newspapers throughout her life and was a keen follower of current events and political news. An active and dedicated member of Tomball United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School, and frequent attender of Redeemer Church, Joy was devoted to serious Bible study. She was nurtured and sustained by her strong Christian faith throughout her life and especially as it neared its end.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 11 a.m. on April 7 at Redeemer Church in Tomball. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Joy's rich and joyful life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.