Individual Details

Death

Joy Furr, age 79, of Porterville, CA, was a beloved wife, mother, grandma, and great-grandma. Her children often teased that she was related to everyone and friends with everyone else. She passed peacefully with her children by her bedside on Friday, September 10, 2021. Joy was born on July 8, 1942, to Alvin and Rosie Laird in Porterville, CA. She was their 9th and youngest child which was said to be the reason her father chose the name "Joy". Her parents worked as migrant farm laborers throughout California but for most of Joy's childhood they made their home in Woodville. They eventually settled in Porterville when Joy was 16 years old but Woodville remained near and dear to her heart. She was a graduate of Porterville High School, attended Porterville College at various times over the years, and lived in Tulare County for most of her life. She was a Psychiatric Technician for over 40 years, working at Stockton State Hospital for approximately 5 years and Porterville Developmental Center for over 35 years. Joy is survived by her son, Tim Whiteley and wife, Susan of Porterville; her daughters, Caryn Thompson of Porterville; Pam Thompson of Porterville; Julie Boone of Visalia; Shelley Furr of Visalia; along with 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Ron Furr; grandson, Scotty Miller; her parents; and all of her brothers and sisters, JC Laird, Francis Laird, Yvonne Sullivan, Melva Hodge, Bernice Shirley and Earl Laird. A Celebration of Life for all family and friends will be shared once the date and details are established.