Biography obtain from information from many of her friends:
Joy was born on the 5th of November, 1938, to John Leonard (known as ‘Len’) King and Mable King, in Colney Road, Dartford. Her Mum said, “It was a joy to have her!” This is where Joy’s name came from.
Joy had a brother, Roy, older by thirteen years.
Colney Road had a great community spirit, everyone would sharing veg and fruit with neighbours. Joy's family had a cherry tree, which was the highlight of the summer, when the whole street got cherries.
Pauline, Anne and Joy all attended secretarial training and became great friends. Joy was an extraordinary typist - her fingers were a blur over the keyboard - literally faster than your eye could keep up with. It was only when her arthritis got more serious that she slowed down.
Joy worked for Burroughs Wellcome and rose through the ranks to become the P.A. of Mr. Devereux the Company’s Production Director. This took her on various business trips, but her trip to Singapore was one to remember! She spoke about it often.
However, Joy’s life was about much more than just work. Joy married Alan Low on the 31st of August, 1963, at the Congregational Church in Dartford. The couple had known each other for a long time before deciding to marry. They both worked for the same company. Their first home together was 10 Langafel Close, where friends were always welcome and many happy times were enjoyed! Alan, who was a Chartered Accountant, used to have an MG sports car, and take everyone for rides in it. Sad to say Alan, at the age of only 36, passed away on the 13 January 1967. They only had 3 years and 4 and half months together. These were there saddest of times, but Joy was fortunate to have good friends, and she made many more friends in the years ahead.
Joy was involved with the young Conservatives, and made many life-long friends there. The group seemed more devoted to socialising than politics. Joy enjoyed their walks and posh dos at the Bull and Vic.
Joy got involved with various societies: Lambara, the Historical Society, and the W.I.. The W.I. was her saviour - and many, many good friends were made there. She also regularly attended musical concerts at the Mick Jagger Centre, went on day trips, and enjoyed going on walks. She also went to keep fit classes, and even went litter-picking in Longfield. Joy had many good friends who supported her from different groups.
The Historical Society, that Joy affectionately called “The Hysterical Society,” sent the following note in memory of Joy:
“Joy was a member of the Fawkham and District Historical Society for over 40 years. She had served on the Committee since 1983, which included two periods as Treasurer, eight occasions as Vice President and four as President. Joy was conscientious and meticulous in carrying out the various roles she held. She was a brilliant administrator for the Historical Society, and particularly excelled at analysing information, including the preparation of releases for the media relating to the Historical Society. A notable example being the "write up" of the Society visit to the Littlebrook Power Station.
Joy was always courteous and welcoming to members and visitors to the Society.”
Joy was President of the WI at one time and a member of the committee over the years. Due to Joy’s illness the WI use to meet monthly at her home to discuss business and what was going on in Longfield. The WI magazines were ordered in by Joy and she use to organise cream teas in her garden. Joy always wanted to be involved and help as much as she could.
Joy spent long weekends and holidays with her Brother Roy and Sister in Law Doreen.
Joy loved animals, she dog-sat with Hazel, her Sister in Law. But most important to mention are the two companions she loved so much: Duke and Duchess, two cats (who were inherited from her Mum).
Joy also loved wildlife, and delighted to welcome wild rabbits and large numbers of goldfinches to her lovely garden.
Joy had many enjoyable times with Susan, Robin, Kathy, Baz, Tom, Simone and Natalie. Always getting together at Christmas and celebrating, Plus attending fundraising sessions, organised by Susan for the R.N.L.I..
Joy went with Linda and Allan to Southend to see the “Joy King Restaurant” (Joy's maiden name) and had a Rossi ice cream.
She took a trip on the Orient Express with Ann, both dressed up to the nines.
On her 70th birthday Joy went on a train trip to celebrate on the Bluebell Railway.
Joy’s 70th Birthday celebration was a classy event, with sumptuous food. The night had drawn in and suddenly the lights went off and the train stopped between stations. What had happened? Nobody knew! Had Joy and her dearest friends found themselves in the middle of an Agatha Christie mystery?
Joy enjoyed the extra time to socialise and was chatting the night away.
In time, an ambulance arrived, and it was revealed to be a minor incident, and off the train trotted again.
Next came “the saga of the Birthday Cake!”
The lights dimmed, candles sparkled and a black-tie waitress walked up and down the coach while we sang “Happy birthday dear Joy” and got tucked into the cake. Yum!
A few minutes later, the embarrassed waitress returned to explain that the cake was for another group further down the train! There were only a few slices left to send down to the other party.”
Joy was a good cook. She once cooked so much “coq au vin” that all the neighbours went round to help them eat it. I am told that it was delicious! Joy was always interested in cooking and held dinner parties and competed in competitions in the W.I. - she was thrilled to win a trophy for her cooking.
Joy use to play piano, Linda fondly remembers her playing 'smoke gets in your eyes.’ Unfortunately Joy had to give up playing piano due to the arthritis in her hands, it was a source of frustration, but Joy never complained. She soaked her hands in warm wax to help with the pain, and at one point received gold injections.
Joy was a very brave and independent lady who suffered a lot throughout her life.
She never complained, although it was obvious she faced some serious challenges: Due to her peg she had “nil by mouth” only being fed through her peg. She always said she wanted a beer with a steak and crunchy salad, and sometimes a Hobnob biscuit with a coffee or tea.
Even as she was very seriously ill she worried about everyone else. She didn’t want people crying over her, when someone did she would say, “I’m not crying. I’ve had a good life, made wonderful friends.” She didn’t want to be knocked out by the painkilling drugs because she wanted to know what was going on. “I’m too nosy,” she said.
Towards the end of her days she spoke about a train ride to her friend Jill. It went something like this:
“I have started my journey
My case is packed
And I'm on the train
When I get to the end I will have a cup of tea with old friends.”
Jill got home from the hospital and realised that Joy knew her time was near. Joy also talked to Linda and Allan about the train, and to the doctors.
She was at peace and ready to make her final voyage.
Joy was a good friend, always remembering to send cards for Christmas, Birthdays and Academic Success.
She never had children of her own, but she was an auntie of the children of her friends, who became friends in turn.
Comments