Sovilla Joy “Joy” Khangi, 83, longtime resident of Kirby, Ark., died unexpectedly on Tuesday 2017, at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary, Little Rock, Ark.
Born in 1933 in Pike County, Ark., to Ollie Hester and Alma Killian Welch, she grew up in Kirby, Ark. with her 2 brothers, Leonard and Dennis, and her 3 sisters, Annie, Denver, and Gladys.
Joy graduated from Kirby High School in 1952. In 1956, she married Ray Khangi and gave birth to her only child, Alan Ray Khangi, whom she raised as a single parent after her divorce; Alan was forever and always the center and love of her life, until his untimely and tragic demise in 1987.
Throughout her working years before her retirement she alternated between positions as a restaurant manager and an accountant, sometimes simultaneously; her career included management positions with the Continental Trailways and Denny’s corporations.
Since 1987 Joy resided in Kirby Arkansas; she became active at the Kirby Church of Christ, known there for her love of God and generosity of spirit.
Joy is survived by her sister, Gladys Welch McIntyre Suttles, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, too many to name in full. In addition, there are many others unrelated by blood to her whom she informally adopted as her own.
Joy came from a long line of strong women, brave, resilient, and fiercely loyal to family and friends.
A memorial service for Joy will be held on Saturday, June 17th, at 2:00 p.m., at the Kirby Church of Christ, 2633 Arkansas 27, Kirby, AR 71950.
Memorial donations may be made to Kirby Church of Christ.
Arrangements are entrusted to Brandon’s Mortuary. Online guestbook: http: //www.brandonsmortuary.com
