"From Labor to Reward"

Joy Denise Evans Bledsoe was born in San Diego, California, as the second of three children to Lucille Hicks and Johnny Evans. She accepted Christ early in life and sang in the youth choir at First Baptist Church of Meacham Park in Kirkwood, Missouri.

After graduating from John Burroughs High School in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1983, Joy pursued higher education at the University of Kansas, earning a Bachelor of Arts in French Literature. As an undergraduate, she spent a year studying at the University of Bordeaux in Paris, France and traveled to Geneva, Switzerland, and Florence, Italy. She was also a proud Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) member.

Later, Joy transitioned into nursing, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Barnes College in St. Louis, Missouri. She continued her education, earning a Master of Science in Nursing from St. Louis University, and worked many years as a nurse.

Joy was a talented seamstress who designed much of her wardrobe, a gifted singer with a melodic voice, and a powerful speaker. Her faith was the foundation of her life. A member of the San Francisco Temple in St. Louis, she served in the Ministry of Consolation and Food Pantry and was a leader in the Global Prayer Ministry. Known as a "prayer intercessor," she ministered faithfully on the Wednesday prayer line throughout her illness and treatment. An ordained minister under Bishop Dwight H. McDaniels, Joy stayed active in her church until moving to Savannah, Georgia, where she became a Covenant member of Real-Life Christian Fellowship in Port Wentworth, Ga.

On April 12, 2025, at home with her loving mother and uncle, Joy peacefully departed this world and entered into the presence of Jesus Christ. Though her absence leaves an ache in our hearts, we take solace in knowing she now rests in perfect peace, free from pain, held in the loving embrace of her Lord and Savior.

Joy was preceded in death by her father, Johnny Evans; her paternal grandmother, Alberta Evans; her maternal grandparents, Bishop J. D. and Mother Lela Mae McKenzie. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted mother, Lucille Hicks, of Savannah, GA; stepmother, Alcena Evans, of Florissant, MO; brother, Mark S. Evans, of Florissant, MO; sisters, Melodie L. Wooten, of Philadelphia, PA and Muriel Evans, of Buffalo, NY, stepsister, Larita Hicks, of O'Fallon, IL; two nieces, Mariah Evans and Daisy Wooten, of Philadelphia, PA; loving uncle, Deacon James Anthony McKenzie, of Savannah, GA;  dear friend since high school, Margaret Hewitt, of Hilton Head, SC; and a host of aunts, cousins, church family, and friends.

Public Viewing will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 9:00am-11:00am at Real Life Christian Fellowship, 841 Crossgate Road, Port Wentworth, GA 31407.

Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 11:00am at Real Life Christian Fellowship, 841 Crossgate Road, Port Wentworth, GA 31407.

Interment ~ Woodville Cemetery.

Please sign our guestbook at www.campbellandsonsfuneralhome.com