Joy~ A wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother

Virginia Joy Demarest, better known as Gma  passed away this week.  This is Ashley's Paternal Great Grandmother. She was the true definition of "Classy". I had several wonderful years as part of the Demarest family and still feel that way today. She taught us no matter the circumstances we are all one big family. 

Joy taught me so many life lessons, ones that I try to instill in my every day life as well as pass along to Ashley. She was one of the most humble people I know and a wonderful role model to anyone that knew her. 

There won't be a time when I am preparing a family meal, cooking for my clients, or entertaining a group that I will forget the things she taught me in the kitchen. I found my passion for cooking, baking and entertaining from Joy. Every family occasion was a decadent celebration! From the place settings, decorations, fine linens and outstanding meal. Everything Joy did was out of love and admiration for her family and friends. 

She will be dearly missed by all. Please keep all of the Demarest family in your thoughts and prayers. 

Obituary 

Virginia Joy Demarest, 83, was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 4, 2013. Service: 2 p.m. Friday at New World United Methodist Church in Arlington. Interment: Following the service, she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Tom Demarest, in Greenwood Memorial Park. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Greenwood Funeral Home. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed at Arlington Humane Society or a local society. Joy gave her gift, her namesake, to those around her every day; she truly lived a life filled with joy. She was born Aug. 15, 1929, in Fort Worth to David and Tommye Wilson. She attended Riverside High School, TWC, and graduated from NTSC with a bachelor of science degree in nutrition and home economics. Joy met the love of her life, Tom Demarest, when she was 15 and the couple married on May 19, 1951. Joy adored her family and friends and spread her gift through food and song. She loved to bake and more times than not, would break out in a song. She had a song for every situation. And if she didn't, we are fairly certain she would make one up to fit the occasion. Joy owned a catering service, A Touch of Joy at Westbury Manor, and enjoyed entertaining and baking for others through this service for many years. She loved the Lord and was a member of the New World United Methodist Church family. An avid bridge player, she achieved life master in the American Contract Bridge Association and was a member of Arlington Woman's Club for many years. She and Tommy loved to travel and they traveled the world. Later in life, they decided to cruise worldwide. She was an avid Texas Rangers fan and season ticket holder for 40 years. Her seats are marked with Joy "GMA" Demarest. She was fortunate to attend two World Series bids by the Rangers and was honored on the field during the Texas Rangers' 40th celebration. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Demarest Jr.; parents, David and Tommye Wilson; in-laws, Tom and Muriel Demarest Sr.; her sister, Betty and Cecil Brewer; and brother David Wilson. Survivors: Children, Carol Coady and husband, Buzz, of Arlington, David Demarest and wife, Linda, of Dallas, Vicki Gustafson and husband, Jay, of Mansfield and Will Demarest of San Francisco, Calif.; grandchildren, Ken and Rhonda Demarest, Justin and Rachel Gustafson, Sarah and Cameron Allen, Alyssa and Kevin Lawther, Josh Gustafson, Emily Demarest, Nicole Demarest, Ember and Josh Altimus, Stevie Demarest, Jeff Coady, Thomas Demarest and Jeremy Demarest; great-grandchildren, Ashley, Kenzie, Zanna, Lexi, Wyatt and Luka, and will have two more, Nate and Reagan, in June; and beloved doggie, Missie.