Shirley Anne Jerusha Joy

Shirley Anne Jerusha Joy was born on March 1, 1949, the first born of 6 children, to Edward and Anne Manke of Steinbach, MB. She passed away peacefully on February 14, 2023; St. Valentine's Day, just a few weeks before her 74th birthday.

She was predeceased by her parents Edward Manke and Anne Manke, her first husband Dennis Joiner, her daughter in law Kristen Joiner, her sister Dorothy, her brother in law Dennis Funk and her Elmer Joy.

Shirley moved to BC as a young adult and spent most of her life there, in various locations, most recently in Kelowna. She lived a full and productive life of serving her family, making countless friends, traveling, working, studying at Trinity Western University, teaching workshops, hosting friends and family, serving various Churches and her communities, with generosity of time, interest, and always attention to detail. Shirley married Elmer Joy in April of 2000, and together they adventured; spending time in numerous places, including Costa Rica, Lithuania, Arizona, BC and finally with a move back to Steinbach in late 2016. They were just getting started in their new life in Steinbach when Elmer passed away in 2019.

Shirley leaves to cherish her memory many doting friends and her beloved family. Of greatest importance was her son Ethan and his two children Mikayla and Alexander. She leaves her siblings Marj Funk, Wes (Mary Lou) Manke, Roy (Sandra) Manke, Eileen (Andrew) Lewis and her brother in law Russell Rudy. She leaves her two step daughters Leigh and Laine. She loved her numerous nieces and nephews and showed them much thoughtfulness, enjoying all reports of their on goings and of the accomplishments of their lives. She leaves Elmer's family; always appreciating time spent with his siblings and their families. She thrived in the company of her friends, enjoying great meals and rich conversations. She will be missed by many!

On behalf of Shirley, we as family would like to express thanks to the homecare and Silver Lining Aids who assisted her, first in her house then in her condos. Their visits greatly encouraged her and many became her friends. We thank her friends who rallied around her and showed love and support and encouragement as she struggled with the hardships of her illness.

March 1st (her birthday), 2022 she moved, however reluctantly, to Maplewood Manor. It was difficult because it represented another loss in her declining health. We thank the staff for their continuous efforts in showing kindness, tender and understanding love and support; beyond our expectations.

Ultimately we give thanks to God, her creator and giver of life for His boundless love and faithfulness to Shirley. His grace is sufficient. His comfort, help, guidance, and presence in her life carried her through and gave her strength as she prayed for help in her health challenges, as well as for the challenges of family members. Her life mirrored the love of her heavenly Father, and we were blessed by that. May she now soar with the angels and know God fully as she is reunited with loved ones in heaven, and is dazzled by God in eternity.

The words of the apostle Paul in 2 Timothy chapter 4 seem to be fitting. 'I have finished the race, I have kept the faith...'

A private gathering is planned in Shirley's memory.

The family.