Joy Nunnally

Clowyn Joy Morrow Nunnally, born in Ralls, Texas, on April 22, 1925, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2024, at the remarkable age of 99. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Glenn Robert (Bob) Nunnally; her parents, Thomas and Sylvia Morrow; her brothers, Durward, Douglas, and Graydon Morrow; her brothers-in-law; and her son-in-law, Larry Condra.

Joy leaves behind a loving family that includes her four daughters: Tevyan Condra; Lark Nunnally; Poette Wadley and her husband, Jimmy; and Tai Cartwright and her husband, Troy; all of Abilene, TX. She was the proud grandmother of 11 grandchildren: Timber (wife Nikki), Blake (wife Abbey), Brazos (wife Katie), Tahj, and Tryon (wife Cassie) Condra; Stetson (wife Mendi), Aelis (husband Mays Kee), Talan (husband Dillon Cobb), and Lyric (husband Ben Bailey) Wadley; and Dakota (wife Valerie) and Brooklyn (husband Klay O'Neal) Cartwright. Her legacy also includes 26 great-grandchildren, all of whom cherished their time with her. Joy is also survived by her sisters: Tomazine "Sister" Reeves (age 105) of Albuquerque, NM; Carmyn Pitts (age 102) of Fayetteville, AR; Una May Crabtree (age 96) of Lake Jackson, TX; Sula Jo Traphagen (age 92) of Fayetteville, AR; and her brother, Thurston Morrow (age 88) of Prairie Grove, AR. In addition to her immediate family, Joy is survived by enough nieces and nephews to rival the stars.

Joy often enchanted her family with whimsical stories of her childhood in The Ozarks of Arkansas. In her eyes, The Ozarks was not only a place, but a realm of wonder that forever lived within her. Yet, her childhood was not without tremendous hardships. At just 9 years old, she contracted polio, but with the help of a small chair and the stubborn Morrow gene, she taught herself to walk again after almost a full year of battling the disease. Growing up during the Great Depression with eight siblings, and watching the world be swept into World War II, followed by the Korean War which took the life of her beloved brother Captain Douglas Morrow, she faced adversity with fortitude and resilience. Fueled by an unwavering faith, a deep love for her family and her country, Joy lived her life with a spirit that was truly joy-filled, never letting hardship overcome hope.

Joy met her one true love, the dashingly handsome Bob Nunnally, early in her teaching career in Rising Star, Texas. They married on June 16, 1947, and together made their home in Abilene, TX, where they were longtime members of Woodlawn Church of Christ.

Joy lived her life with passion and a zest for the simple pleasures. She found fulfillment in her roles as a teacher, homemaker, seamstress extraordanaire, and later as a substitute teacher. Her dedication to education impacted countless students in Abilene ISD, where she became known as one of the most joyful yet no-nonsense substitute teachers during the 1980s and 1990s. She retired from teaching at the age of 80, leaving a lasting legacy in the classroom.

Family was at the core of Joy's life, and she also had a passion for health, as evidenced by her long and vibrant life. An avid lover of the arts, especially musical theatre, Joy could often be found at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Abilene, accompanied by her children and grandchildren. Despite her commitment to health, she would always indulge in Paramount popcorn and root beer during weekend shows.

Her name, Joy, truly reflected her spirit. She embraced life fully, loved family and friends deeply, and found joy in the everyday moments. Whether it was playing games, attending the theatre, reciting poetry, singing, cooking, gardening, or teaching, Joy impacted everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Those who knew her loved her, and her bright, joyful presence will be deeply missed.

Thank you to Windcrest Health and Rehabilitation Center and Hendrick Hospice for your loving care.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 13, at Elmwood Chapel, 5750 HWY 277 S, Abilene, TX. Visitation will take place from 10:00-11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., with a graveside service to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christian Service Center in her honor.