Joy Heatherly

Joy Berryhill Heatherly, age 77, passed away on October 23, 2026, at her home in Arlington, Texas surrounded by her family and friends.

Joy was born in 1949 in Lubbock, Texas to J.H. and Virginia Wright. As the daughter of a highly regarded Baptist minister, she grew up learning both the challenges and rewards of a life spent serving others. Though a graduate of Baylor University, her most impressive achievements were not academic or professional accolades, but the profound influence she had on the people within her sphere. Joy truly had a divine gift of helping others to see the best in themselves.

Her gift was nowhere more evident than in the relationship she had with her children and grandchildren, for whom there was nothing she wouldn’t do. As a mother she consistently told her children they were the best thing she had ever done, and as a grandmother she found creative ways to connect with her grandkids despite being generations apart. She went down waterslides, rode roller coasters, drove go-karts, went horseback riding, joined in lightsaber battles, played Nerf guns, watched movies, hosted tea parties, played Minecraft, sang songs, sledded down hillsides, and baked countless batches of her famous Joy Cake. From Texas to North Carolina to Indonesia, she traveled the world to be with the grandchildren she loved, and to leave a lasting influence on their lives.

Throughout her life Joy was frequently named “best mom in the world” even by those who weren’t her children. Her love, generosity, and unwavering ability to help others see the best in themselves earned her the admiration of so many. Although Joy is no longer with us, her legacy lives in the people she touched.

Joy is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 23 years, Brent Heatherly, her children Jena Holoman (and her husband Mark) and Jayson Berryhill (and his wife Ashley), and her grandchildren Ayla, Reese, Henry and Harrison, as well as her extended grandchildren Tyler, Kelsie, Jackson, Lucas, Jacob and Wyatt. She is also survived by her brother and his wife, Tommy and Judy Wright.

Joy is preceded in death by her parents J.H and Virginia Wright, her brother Johnny Wright, and her high school sweetheart and husband of 30 years, Don Berryhill, who she loved until his death in 2002.

A celebration of Joy’s life will be held at First Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas at 11AM on Friday, November 6th with a reception to follow. A private graveside burial will be later that day. Contributions in Joy’s memory can be made to Mission Arlington via FBCA (https://fbca.churchcenter.com/giving/to/mission-arlington). >>> Donation Link