OUR STORY

A Legacy of Joy

To her family, Joy Shelton was probably the greatest woman to ever live. And not because of any thing she did, but simply because of who she was. She was a published author, sign language interpreter, church worker, newspaper reporter, drama director, Sunday School teacher, conference leader, and dozens of more things. For each of her various endeavors, she used the moniker Sprinkles of Joy. For Joy, joy was serious business and truly her calling from the Lord. Never was anyone given a more fitting name.

In 2010, things started to change for Joy. She had always lived with a healthy fear of succumbing to the same fate as her Mother who died of Alzheimers. And unfortunately, her worst fears were realized as she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of dementia. Her once quick wit became more of a fog of confusion. The memories she had of her beloved husband, children, and grandchildren slipped away one by one. What was once the most joyful human being God could have ever created soon became a shell of what she once was, filled with confusion, fear, and anger. Day by day, the dementia took more and more of her until there was nothing left. And on September 7, she welcomed her Savior's embrace as her suffering here on Earth was over.

Joy's best friend was her oldest daughter Debby. The two were inseparable. And Debby knew that in the last years of her life, Joy needed her daughter and best friend now more than ever. Courageously and heroically, Debby took care of her mother 24 hours a day, showing exactly what the love of Christ is, what it means, and what it looks like. Towards the end, Joy couldn't speak, walk, feed herself, clean herself. Never once complaining, Debby cared for her mother in a way that could have only been possible with the divine hand and help of God. It was the hardest thing she ever did and the hardest thing she will ever do. And without hesitation, she would do it all over again.

One of Joy's greatest disappointments is that Sprinkles of Joy never grew to be everything she had dreamed it could be. As of way of honoring her Mother, Debby has started Sprinkles of Joy to try and care for those who are providing care. To show them that there is hope, there is joy, and there is love, even when those precious things are the hardest to find. It is her heartfelt prayer that Sprinkles of Joy can be everything her Mother dreamed and hoped for and a way to continue to love her Mom long after she's gone.