Joy Dowty

Joy Carlene Dowty, age 90 of Paris, TN, died Sunday, November 13, 2022, at her residence.

She worked for several years at Holley Carburetor in Paris.  Joy loved reading books, enjoyed flower gardening, and loved her two cats, Punkin and Daisey.  She was a member of Fairview Baptist Church in Paris.

Joy was born November 2, 1932, in Springville, TN, to the late James Carl Merrell and the late Lille Mae Johnson Merrell.

She was married April 17, 1981, to Thomas Ferguson Dowty, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by one son, Tony (April) Smith of Jackson, TN; one sister, Lynette Tillman of Paris; two brothers, Bobby Merrell of Paris, and Joe David Merrell of Big Sandy, TN; four grandchildren, Drew (Brittney) Pope, Brooke Smith, Addisyn Smith, and Clay Smith; five great grandchildren; and niece and caregiver, Kathy Green of Paris.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Rick and Martha Faye “Marti” Johnson; and three brothers, Kenneth Merrell, James R. “Jimmy” Merrell, and Thomas Harold “Cowboy” Merrell.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242.  Visitation will be Saturday, November 19, 2022, from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home.  A graveside service will be held Saturday, November 19, 2022, at 1:00 pm at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Paris, TN, with Dr. Johnathan Smith officiating.

Family will serve as pallbearers.

Burial will follow the graveside service in Hillcrest Memorial Park.