Joy Chesser

Joy left her earthly life to spend eternity with her Heavenly Father on October 4, 2024. She was born Aug. 2, 1936 at Okemah, OK, the oldest of 7 children, to Ray and Janie (Cheatham) Massey. She graduated from Bearden High School Southwest of Okemah in 1953 as Salutatorian of her class. She married her classmate and the love of her life Austin Chesser on Aug. 15, 1953 in Okemah. To this union was born 4 sons. They were married 57 and 1/2 years before he passed from Alzheimer's on Feb. 10, 2011. She lovingly cared for him before he went to be with the Lord.

Joy was a homemaker most of her life. She was raised on the farm at Okemah, then moved to Oklahoma City when she and her husband married. They moved to New Mexico in 1980 where her husband was transferred with his job. They were there 11 years before he retired in 1991 and they moved back to their home northeast of Shawnee. She then worked for Braum's four years and was shift manager when she resigned in 1995 so she and Austin could travel with her younger sister and husband.

Joy surrendered her life to the Lord as a newly married young woman on Nov. 13, 1953 and was blessed to serve the Lord most of her adult life. She taught Bible School during the years her sons were growing up. She began teaching a Ladies Sunday School Class at Temple Baptist church in Shawnee in 1968, and continued teaching different classes through the years and serving on committees as well as helping her husband in his Deacon ministry.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 2011, their first son, an infant, Wade Scott in 1958, as well as an infant grandson, Colt Lane Chesser in 2007, both parents, father and mother in law, one sister and three brothers, six sisters in law, and eight brothers in law. Joy is survived by her sons and their wives: Guy Chesser and wife Shelly of Wellston, OK, Boyd Chesser and wife Jamie of Blanket, TX, Joel Chesser and wife Kelly of Shawnee, grandchildren: Dara & Kieta Holmes of Oklahoma City, Katie and Mark of Shawnee, Brandon and Lindsey Chesser of Eastland, TX, Brandy and Jon Watson stationed in Poland, Conlan Chesser, and Kimber Chesser of Shawnee as well as 9 great grandchildren, sisters: Donna Magness of Okemah, Judy Brandt and husband David of Glenpool, OK, brothers in law: David Chesser and wife Katie of Hot Springs, AR, Frank Chesser and wife Jean of Visalia, CA, sisters in law: Sharel Massey of Okemah, Linda Massey of Owensboro, KY as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. 

Friends and loved ones may pay their respects at the funeral home from 8am-7pm with the family present from 4-7pm on Friday, October 11, 2024. A graveside ceremony to celebrate her life will be held at 1pm Saturday, October 12, 2024 at the Highland Cemetery in Okemah where she will be laid to rest next to her husband Austin.