Joy Beard Roberts went to her heavenly home on November 12, 2023, at the age of 93. She was known for her impeccable style and elegance, and will be remembered for her kindness and generosity. All who knew her loved her, and it was because she knew how to love so well.

Joy graduated from Laurel city schools at the age of 16, then attended Jones County Junior College and MSCW. After working at Gulf Oil Core Lab, she opened Roberts Dress Shop in downtown Laurel. For 36 years, women came from all over south MS for a wonderful shopping experience. Not only did her store have the most beautiful clothing, it was the hospitality and friendships formed that kept the store open over three decades.

With a servant's heart, Joy taught a young women's Sunday School class at First Baptist Church of Laurel for many years. As a mentor and leader, her Christian influence is evident in the women she taught. This class is still called the "Joy" class, and her students became her dear friends. There is no doubt she brought joy into countless lives.

"Honey" as her grandchildren and many others affectionately called her, had a fun side that made her even more endearing. She was well-known for her words of wisdom, such as "If it ain't bees, it's ants!" As she grew older she would often say, "Be careful how you furnish your mind, because one day you may have to live in it." Her intellect and positive attitude lasted into her final days.

Joy is predeceased by her beloved husband, Joe DeKalb Roberts; parents, D.T. and Vera Beard; brothers, D.T. Beard, Jr. and Marvin (Buddy) Beard.

She is survived by two sons, Russell Roberts (Sally) of Hattiesburg, MS, and Joey Roberts of Laurel, MS; three granddaughters, Kimberly Moore, Alison Crumpton (Ken) of Hattiesburg, MS, and Kelsey Hudson (Cal) of Madison, MS; six great grandchildren; niece, Betty Beard, and nephew, Johnny Beard (Sherry).

A special thank you to the caregivers of Loving Care Senior Services who became like family to Joy.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 2:00, with visitation beginning at 12:30 at First Baptist Church, Laurel, MS. Interment will follow at Lake Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Laurel, MS. Colonial Chapel of Laurel is in Charge of the arrangements. (601)649-3342

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com