On the evening of Saturday, the 24th of February, Joy Davidson passed through the veil and went on to glory beside Christ in his Kingdom. She was surrounded by family as Father Michael Shields prayed her last rites, and a few minutes later, she breathed her last earthly breath. All who knew her mourn her passing in the most profound terms.
Joy was a tireless, beautiful mother, a romantic, a gifted musician, a witty jokester, quick to laugh and as slow to anger as any human I’ve ever encountered. She strengthened the faith of everyone lucky enough to pass through her sphere of influence – especially so for those she called friends.
A prayer vigil for her will begin at St Michael’s Catholic Church on Thursday, the 29th of February at 7PM. Following the opening liturgy, the vigil will continue through the night for those who wish to pray in silence at the church. There will be pictures of Joy, and an opportunity to pray for her and her soul and her eternal rest with our Father in Heaven. Participants are welcome to come and go throughout the night.
The following evening, Friday, March 1st, a traditional funeral Mass will be held at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Eagle River, beginning at 6pm. Anyone who knew Joy, Joel, and the Davidson family is invited to attend and pay their respects.
One last note, though this time is difficult, the work of the Alaska Watchman will continue. We have only paused our news output for a short time, and fully intend to be back at the business of bringing you important news very soon. We appreciate your patience during this time of loss and mourning. I personally appreciate your continued prayers for Joel and his eight children, who must now soldier on without the bright, warm light of Joy’s presence.
The Watchman is here to stay.
22 Comments
Prayers for Joel and his family and all of their friends.
Keeping the Davidson family in prayer.
Prayers for the Peace that surpasses all understanding for Joel and family.
Beautifully written Jake…
So deeply sorry for your loss!
May God comfort you and bring you His peace !
I am sorry, Joel.. I pray for you, and your family. God be with you.
I’m sorry for your huge loss. I will cintinue to pray for your family.
“She strengthened the faith of everyone lucky enough to pass through her sphere of influence – especially so for those she called friends.”
This is true!
Joy’s serene yet cheerful countenance throughout every conversation bespoke the reality that there is much more to life that what we can see dimly in the present moment. She struck me as a woman constantly aware of Eternity, whether we were discussing our children, the weather, or characters in a good book. “Living in the presence of God” never appeared a task to be accomplished by Joy. She seemed to live in His presence every moment, delighting in the gifts God showers upon us. I am sincerely grateful for her example of steadfast faith, an ardent pursuit of holiness, and her ability to face every challenge with a smile.
Joel and his children will remain in our family’s prayers.
My deepest condolences to Joel and his family. You will remain in my daily prayers.
Joel, as a widower, my heart grieves for you. Of all that I have learned in this past years journey is that if you and Joy had no regrets and no unresolved guilts you will find the amount and length of grief will be lessened. I know that Sandy forgave me and God has forgiven me the stupid things I did in our marriage. Knowing that, my grief, although still there, is not near the intensity it was a year ago! I know God will lead you down the pathway throughout your future journey. Trust in the Lord. I have been told that so long as I have Sandy, Jesus and God on my side, I can’t loose. The same holds with Joy.
Anything I can do to help you as a fellow widower, you have my phone number and I will gladly help in any way I can.
We are very sorry for your loss Joel.
Bob & Rosemary add their own profound condolences. Joy has been in our prayers for a year. We continue to say many Rosaries for the repose of her soul and for the strengthening of her family.
So profoundly sorry for your loss
A spiritual titan, who invited all to the bounty! May we honor her legacy and pray to see the good, true, and beautiful – which she insisted be sought from every scenario.
The Lord has punished Joel for his sins by taking his wife away. We should all pray that he repent for his sins of hate and lying, before He decides to take even more away from him.
To Michael: I don’t know Joel or you personally. But how in the world you can write such an insensitive comment, especially at the time like this.
Very rude comment! I pray for you Michael, that the lord remove such hatred.
Wow! Too bad the glue didn’t stick to the concrete Michael!
11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you
Matthew 5:11-13
Christ’s peace, mercy and kindness for the Davidson family in this time of mourning. I am praying for you.
So grateful to call Joy a sister in Christ and friend. She was, and remains, a solid and steady light as an Ambassador of what is true, right and good, Her soft yet determined spirit, stories about the Wheaton underground experience and intellect are true gifts. What an aptly named image-bearer.
So sorry for your loss.
Please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss .
My prayers are with your family.