of Conway, AR
March 7, 1957 - October 12, 2019
There perhaps has never been anyone more appropriately named than Joy Wiedower, 62. Often described as one of a kind, she no doubt bounded through the gates of heaven with the same enthusiasm as she did walking through the doors of her mecca, Hobby Lobby.
Born Rebecca Joy Hendrickson, the fifth and final child and only daughter, it was evident even in childhood that Joy was a force to be reckoned with - luckily being a daddy's girl kept her from getting in too much trouble for accidentally burning down her daddy's barn.
Joy's creative flair and love for all things artistic led to years of piano lessons and choir performances, ultimately blessing the congregations of College Avenue Church of the Nazarene and Central Baptist Church. While in college she honed her craft, serving as Tuxedo Tootsie, Baker Drugstore's singing telegram. It was during this time that a friend introduced her to her beloved, Fred.
Fred and Joy married March 7, 1981 (Joy's birthday), only a few months after meeting. She finished her undergraduate and then her Master's in psychology at the University of Central Arkansas. Her boundless creativity was matched only by her desire to serve others, which led her to work for a nonprofit aimed at preventing child abuse and then the Conway Human Development Center, where she retired after 28 years to care for her father. She loved " her boy's" at CHDC.
While Fred was undeniably the love of her life, he had some competition when Joy became Gammie to her granddaughter, Caroline. She was the best mom her girls could ever ask for, and she was an even better Gammie.
Joy maintained her undeniable wit and positive outlook throughout her battle with cancer. Her faith in her Lord and Savior never wavered. She clung to the same grace mentioned throughout the hymns she would accompany each week on the church keyboard, and she is no doubt tickling the ivories and singing of that grace alongside the saints.
Joy is survived by her beloved husband, Fred Wiedower, her daughters Virginia Hensley and Julie Kaylor, granddaughter Rebecca Caroline Hensley, her mother, Becky Hendrickson, and brothers Bill Hendrickson and Don Hendrickson, along with her amazing extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her father, Richard Hendrickson, and her brothers Bob Hendrickson and Dicky Hendrickson.
A celebration of Joy's life will be held on Monday, November 4 at Central Baptist Church in Conway. Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. with the celebration service to begin at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Baptist Church in Conway (3333 Dave Ward Drive, Conway, AR, 72034); conwaycentralchurch.org) or to the Conway Human Development Center Volunteer Council (150 E. Siebenmorgen Rd., Conway, AR, 72032).
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32 Condolence(s)
John Ed & Danita Webb
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Fred, Joy & Ginny, we are so sorry for your loss. Joy is in a better place. You are in our thoughts and prayers. 💜
Dale Collins
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
On behalf of the Collins and Belk families I want to express our sincere sympathies to the Wiedower and Hendrickson families during this time of great loss. Who ever wrote this obituary described the same Joy that I remember from the College Avenue Church of the Nazerene to a tee. It could not have been said better. I have many good memories there at the church of Fred, Joy, Don, Cathy and of course, Richard and Becky. Together as a family, they impacted my life. While I have only seen them a few times through the years since those days I will never forget their kindness to me and the effect they had on me in my teenage years. I am so sorry for your loss. Each of you have been and will continue to be in my prayers.
Sincerely,
“Bowie” Dale Collins
Jim & Rhonda Edwards
Friday, October 18, 2019
Awesome Joy! She was love, faith, & Joy. What a blessing to know her. What a sadness for those of us to remain and miss her until we see her again. She embodied all that is good and bold and worthy. She was a gift to all that knew her and she will be missed.
Susan Burks
Friday, October 18, 2019
Heaven gained another angel when Joy died. She always had a smile on her face even in the midst of pain and illness. I will for ever remember that beautiful smile. Prayers for her family!
Debbie Jackson
Friday, October 18, 2019
You were such a great friend and was always ready to help anyone in need. You lived life to the fullest with so much fun and laughter. I wish I had half the energy you had. Go Rest High on the Mountain. Save me a seat.
Vicki Hutto
Thursday, October 17, 2019
So very sorry. Praying for y’all.. Good girlie with a beautiful smile
Janice Smith
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Joy was a Beautiful person inside and outside. I will miss her smile and saying my whole name. She was my Classmate and my Friend and we worked together. Praying for the Family.May God give you peace and comfort.
Ms. Esther
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
I worked(for many years) with Joy, at CHDC. I work at CHDC, still; memories about her are still shared.
Joy's talents-amazing. Her daily walk honored our Lord and Savior, in MANY ways.
I care.
Ms. Esther
Chris and Leah Hutto
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Dear Family- So sorry to hear of Joy passing but what a gift she was. I would often times see her in the hallways of CHDC and even if you were having a bad day it seemed she could always lift you up. That is such a gift and she used it to honor God and to help people. She just made folks around her feel better.. I pray for the peace of God to be with all of you in the days and months to come.
Wes Booker
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
May God's peace be over Fred and the family right now. Lord protect them and keep them. Your friend always
Wes Booker
Jeleda Kennedy
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Fred my God give you and your family peace at this time. Love and Prayers
Jeleda & Shelly Kennedy
Frank ie Kinard
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
All my Prayers & Condolences go out to the Wiedower & Hendrickson Families.
May GOD Bless & Keep Her.
Frank ie K.
Susan & Stanley Woodard
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Dear Sweet Family,
This was such a fabulous tribute to one of the most exciting and refreshing people we have ever known She was pure JOY to us from the first time we met her as a young girl. That never changed. Having been raised in your wonderful Christian home in an atmosphere of love has been life changing for anyone who encountered Joy. We are so thankful for her life and the impact she had on us. We love and treasure your family and please know you will be in our prayers in the days ahead.
Marilyn Matthews
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family
Connie Spiller
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Prayers to God for Joy's family to be provided comfort in this their time of need.
Andrea Ennis
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
So sorry to hear about her passing. She will be missed!
Mary Catherine Flanagin Mann
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you all! â¤
Joey Newsom
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
You and your family are in our prayers. Though we never met her, it is clear that she will be missed by you and many others.
Peace and comfort.
GAC Football Crew
Joey Newsom, Glen Williams, Derrick Smith, Scott Johnson, Rob Price, Derrick Hightower, Jeff Brixey, Calvin Mann
Glenda Davis
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Joy was a happy person always smiling and laughing she so enjoyed her work at C H D C. God bless her she is so happy now with her Lord Jesus Christ. Prayers for the family
Bob Barham
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Fred & Family,
I am so sorry to hear this news. What a perfect tribute to Joy. I will always have fond memories of working with her at Baker Drug Store years ago. Joy made work fun and she always, always had a smile on her face and kept us all laughing with her humor. She will certainly be missed by many people. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.
Romans 8:28
Patti Reynolds
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
What a beautiful tribute to Joy. Her personality certainly was one of true joy. I send my sincerest condolences to Fred and the entire family and host of friends. Praying for peace and comfort for all.
Donna Beckman
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
She lived a God honoring life with flare and spunk. She will be missed but praise the LORD she is healed!ðŸ™ðŸ¼ðŸ’•ðŸ’•ðŸ’•
Dianna (Fason) Key
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
My sincerest condolences to Joy's family. She was an awesome lady and a 'joy'to know. She will be truly missed.
Heather Maxwell
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Joy was an incredible life force. I see her passion for life and her strength in the two daughters she raised. I’m praying for those who love her.
Tony & Rhonda Robinson
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
What a fitting tribute to Joy! She always brought a smile to our faces every time we saw her. Her talents of singing & playing were truly a blessing from the Lord for so many. We are better for having known this sweet soul. I (Rhonda) am thankful especially that she took care of my cousin for his years at CHDC.
We know hearts are hurting, but we know the God of all comfort will hold Fred, the girls & family in His arms & carry them through the difficult days ahead as they seek to find a new normal in their lives. We live this family & lift you up to the Lord🙏🙏🙏
Sherry Starr DeJarnette
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Joy was an inspiration throughout her life. What an example she was and continues to be for those touched by her love & kindness . Prayers for her family but happy for Joy to gain her wings and be pain free. She was a very special person and one of a kind!
Alton and Angie Freyburger
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Fred, praying for you and your family. What a Blessing see was.
Regina Delph
Monday, October 14, 2019
Jennifer Stevens
Monday, October 14, 2019
A wonderful lady, you will be missed. I have been blessed to know you.
Jean Matchett
Monday, October 14, 2019
So very sorry. My thoughts are you.
Lashana
Monday, October 14, 2019
My prayers to the family..
Jennie Baldridge
Monday, October 14, 2019
I remember Joy always wearing a smile when I would see her in the halls at CHDC. She will be missed by all.