Joy Frith

Her children rise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.  Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Joy Perry Frith, aged 89, passed away at her home in Selma, Alabama on January 25, 2019, surrounded by her loving children and dedicated caregivers.

Joy is survived by her children; Carol Frith Councill, Dallas, Texas, Linda (Christopher) Frith Bailey, Duck Springs, Alabama, Paula (Thomas) Frith Clements, Lynn Haven , Florida, Andrew (Beverly) Lamar Frith, Selma, Alabama; grandchildren Aaron (Karina) Todd Smith, Asheville, North Carolina, Andrew Davis (Megumi) Bailey, Forrest (Catherine) Lawson Bailey, and great-grandchildren Charlotte Ann Bailey and Frances Oliver Bailey, all of Gadsden, Alabama, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews, especially Mary Jo  Averette, Heiberger, Alabama and Billy Perry, Pensacola, Florida.

Joy is preceded in death by her beloved husband Paul Lamar Frith, infant son, William Perry Frith, parents William and Bodesa  Perry, siblings Grady (Mildred) Perry, Fern (C.O.) Crocker, Dixie (Herbert) Carroll, and Alma Perry.

Joy was born on September 3, 1929 in Jones, Alabama to William and Bodesa Perry. She graduated from Parrish High School in 1949. On July 22, 1950, she married a schoolmate, Paul Frith and remained his JOY BABY for fifty seven devoted years until his death July 27, 2007. During the early years of their marriage the loving couple welcomed five children into their family and Joy set about teaching them all they needed to know to succeed in life. Her children remember her as a loving mother who encouraged them to be their best. Joy enjoyed ceramics, cooking for her family, volunteering at Northside Baptist Church, and spending time with her Chihuahua dog, Angel.

Joy was always a diligent worker who enjoyed a challenge. For many years she worked as teller at the Peoples Bank in Selma, Alabama.  Joy retired from the banking life to become Paul’s office manager at their newly established business, Frith Construction Company in 1982. She continued in this capacity for fifteen years and was the bedrock of the company.

Joy was also an active and dedicated member of Northside Baptist Church in Selma, Alabama until her illness prevented her taking part in church life.  For many years she was an enthusiastic participant in various church programs, but the one dearest to her heart was the Homebound Ministry, visiting those who could not attend church due to illness. God in his benevolence saw her dedication returned tenfold as in her later years; Joy’s friends added her own name to the Homebound List and visited her with love during her final illness.

Visitation is scheduled for Monday, January 28, 2019 at Lawrence Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m., to be immediately followed by her funeral ceremony at 11:00 a.m. in the same location. Doctor Kenny Hatcher, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Guin, Alabama and Reverend Ken Blake, Pastor of Northside Baptist Church of Selma, Alabama will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Joy’s life.

The Frith family would like to take this opportunity to thank Joy’s personal caregivers; Betty Varner, Angie Braswell, Amanda Latham, & Pam McCray for their ceaseless devotion and dedicated service during this most difficult time. The family would also like to acknowledge the help and support provided by Homestead Hospice employees, Sandra Hogg, RN, Debbie Smith, RN, and Melissa Williams, Home Health Aide, during our Mother’s final illness. We could not have made it through this difficult time without all of you. You have stored up a lifetime of treasure in Heaven.