Sparkman Crane Funeral Home
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Joy Phillips Fenner was born in the family home near Avinger, Texas on March 3, 1935 to Samuel "Sam" and Bulah Mae Phillips. She died on November 29, 2024 in her home in Dallas, Texas.
She became a follower of Jesus in her teenage years and began a lifetime of what she called predetermined obedience. That obedience took her took her to places close to home and around the world.
After high school she attended Paris Junior College where she distinguished herself as a student and a leader. She then attended East Texas Baptist College and worked as a secretary at First Baptist Church, Marshall. In 1959, her intention of seeking theological education was interrupted when a call came from Woman's Missionary Union of Texas asking her to become the director of Girls Auxiliary where she served for seven years.
While in East Texas she met a charming man named Charlie Fenner who would also interrupt her plans and become the love of her life. While a missionary in Fukuoka, Japan, he wrote to Joy asking her to marry him. For several agonizing weeks he waited for her response. They were married on October 8, 1966 and returned to Japan to serve together for 14 years. Their work centered around middle school and university students. They enjoyed have students in their home and especially befriending American exchange students. They were particularly close to the exchange class of 1975-76.
In 1980 they returned to Texas for Charlie to care for his aging parents. As plans were being made to leave Japan, that predetermined obedience was evident once again when Joy received an early morning call from WMU of Texas asking her to serve as the Executive Director-Treasurer. She served in that role for 21 years before retiring in 2001 when she was named Executive Director-Treasurer Emeritus.
Joy's leadership abilities were recognized and utilized in a variety of ways beyond WMU of Texas. She served as a member of numerous boards including Texas Baptists Committed, East Texas Baptist University, Woman's Missionary Union Foundation, the Diana Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University, Healing Hands Ministries, Seinan Gakuin 4-L Foundation, and the Gaston Christian Center. In 2007, she was the first woman to be elected president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. After retirement she served as the interim Executive Director of Tennessee WMU. She was also involved with Dallas Baptist Association WMU and faithfully kept her church, Gaston Oaks Baptist Church, aware of and involved in praying for and giving to missions.
This accomplished missions leader received honorary doctorates from the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor and East Texas Baptist University. She was named an honorary alumnus of Truett Theological Seminary. She was the recipient of the Pioneer Award for Service in Missions from the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation, the George W. Truett Distinguished Church Service Award from the Baylor Alumni Association, the Paris Junior College Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Elder Statesman Award.
Joy was preceded in death by her beloved Charlie, her parents Samuel and Bulah Phillips, siblings Ruby Kindred, Gladys Harris, Imogene Mathis, and James "Jimmy" Phillips, and her close and dear friend Cindy Spurger.
She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Special friends who were "family" include Frances Shaw, Marc and Debbie Lachey, and Sonny Spurger.
A memorial service will be held at Gaston Oaks Baptist Church, 8515 Greenville, Dallas, Texas on December 19 at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, you can honor Joy's memory by giving to the Gaston Christian Center, c/o Nataly Sorensen, 8515 Greenville, Dallas, Texas 75243.
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