Joy Ann Hinkson Markham June 1, 1944 - May 31, 2025

Joy Ann Hinkson Markham, age 80, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Beehive Homes in Provo, Utah, just one day before her 81st birthday. She was surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren, each of whom she fondly considered her “favorite.” Joy’s lifelong wish was fulfilled as she was reunited with her beloved husband, Jay, hand in hand, as they walked together into the sunset.
Joy Ann was born on June 1, 1944, in Los Angeles, California. She was welcomed with great anticipation by her parents, Gerald and Rachel Hinkson, and her two older brothers, Gerald and Wayne. Years later, her younger brother, Ren, was born, and Joy was overjoyed to take on the role of his big sister.
At the age of three, Joy and her family moved to a farm in Ashland, Oregon. A true animal lover from the start, Joy delighted in befriending and playing with the many animals on the farm. One of her favorite pastimes was placing cats in her doll stroller, tucking them under a blanket as if they were babies—amazingly, they would stay just where she put them.
Joy attended Bellview Grade School, Ashland Junior High, and Ashland High School. She was active in many pursuits, including cheerleading, serving as a swim instructor and lifeguard at Jackson Hot Springs, and performing ballet en pointe on a local television station each week. She also played both the piano and the bass. When she asked to join the orchestra, her teacher insisted she play the bass—an instrument she didn’t enjoy—but Joy cheerfully agreed so she could be part of the class.
She had a keen eye for fashion, and one of her fondest memories was shopping with her mother, Rachel, who would sketch Joy’s favorite dresses and then sew them at home, creating beautiful, custom pieces just for her.
In high school, Joy performed in a musical titled Minstrel Show and shared the stage in a talent show with her best friend, Lee Bounds, singing and dancing. She was also a loving and playful big sister to Ren. One cherished family memory is of Joy climbing out her bedroom window onto the snowy roof with Ren on Christmas Eve to look for Santa Claus.
Joy graduated from Ashland High School in 1963 and was awarded a full scholarship to Brigham Young University. Her family drove her to Provo, Utah, where she began this exciting new chapter—living on her own for the first time.
While attending BYU, Joy met the love of her life, Jay Markham. In a humorous twist, she forgot his name on their first date and was too embarrassed to ask again—but that didn’t stop their romance from blossoming. The two quickly fell in love and became engaged. On June 5, 1964, Joy was married and sealed to her beloved “dreamy” husband, Jay, in the Los Angeles California Temple.
Jay and Joy began their life together in Northern California, where they welcomed their first three children: Stephen, David, and Cheryl. Joy embraced motherhood wholeheartedly and was deeply involved in her children’s lives—she even served as the room mother for David’s kindergarten class. Joy also developed a special bond with her kind and loving mother-in-law, Beatrice Markham, who lived nearby and was a cherished part of their growing family.
In 1973, when Jay accepted a new job, the family relocated to Farmington Hills, Michigan. It was there that Joy and Jay welcomed two more children—Rebecca and Robert—completing their family of seven.
Joy was a dedicated and hard-working mother. She worked evenings taking minutes for city council meetings, often staying up past midnight to transcribe her shorthand notes and type them at home. Her typing skills became so fast that she could outpace the typewriters themselves. She also taught silk flower arranging at Oakland Community College and enlisted her children to sell handmade silk flower pins in the neighborhood. Ever creative, Joy took up ceramic doll making and enjoyed attending classes to refine her craft. Tragically, a flood in their home destroyed many of her treasured childhood dolls, a loss that deeply saddened her.
Joy remained active in both her church and community. She served on the PTA at Beechview Elementary and taught piano lessons in her home. She was also a proud member of the Detroit Mormon Concert Choir, along with Jay and Stephen. The choir toured Washington D.C., Toledo, and throughout Michigan.
Joy had a gift for bringing people together through music and performance. She created “The Markham Family” performance group, where her children tap danced and sang in church programs, at the Michigan State Fair, and other local events. Stephen, David, Cheryl, and Becky danced, while the boys added gymnastics flair to the routines. For the annual talent show at Beechview Elementary, she helped Becky prepare Broadway-style tap dance numbers, complete with singing and choreography. Her family also participated in the musical “Saturday’s Warrior”.
Joy loved involving her family in meaningful experiences. One highlight was a church parade float themed “Families are Forever,” where the whole family participated, waving to the crowd from the float. She also helped organize regular youth gatherings at their home for the young men of the ward and stake, fostering a safe and uplifting environment for teens. These events were held every few months and became a beloved tradition.
She had a deep love for flowers and gardening, keeping beautiful flower beds and a strawberry patch in the yard. Her eye for beauty extended to travel as well. During trips to England and Scotland with Jay, she brought home crystal for herself and special dolls and matching kilts for her daughters.
In 1983, Jay and Joy moved their family to Orem, Utah. She remained active in the PTA and PTSA throughout her children’s schooling, always finding ways to support and enrich their experiences.
Joy loved books—both reading to her children and being read to. A special memory was when her son Bob read to her for the first time in Michigan, beginning a tradition that continued into his high school years.
Joy’s creative talents flourished in Utah. She sewed prom and Easter dresses for her daughters Cheryl and Rebecca, made quilts and baby blankets, crocheted, cross-stitched, and created beautiful scrapbooks filled with stories and photos. She loved taking photos and preserving memories, always finding joy in the little details.
Joy and Jay were proud to travel together to pick up their three sons from their church missions: Stephen from Vienna, Austria; David from Frankfurt, Germany; and Robert from Kaohsiung, Taiwan. These reunions were deeply meaningful to her.
The Markham home was filled with love—and animals. Joy cared for bunnies, birds, and a rotating group of beloved pets. The family home was brightened by a cheerful parakeet named Sherry Paulette; cats Burley, Rascal, and Aloysius; dogs Snuggles, Rusky, Sam, and Ruffles. Joy did not appreciate when the parrot named Duke chewed chandelier wiring and window panes, but a pet hamster miraculously revived after Joy held it to warm it up.
She had a passion for beauty and design. Joy loved attending Utah’s Parade of Homes, especially during the holidays, where she would admire festive decorations and new architectural designs. She often sketched house plans of how to remodel her own home or dream up new ones. Her artistic talents extended to pencil drawing, watercolor painting, tole painting, and porcelain doll making—complete with outfits she designed and sewed herself. She also enjoyed collecting porcelain dolls and caring for her cherished flower gardens, especially her roses.
Joy made every holiday special. She decorated her home with themed place settings and festive touches, making each gathering warm and magical. She adored Christmas, Santa Claus, and especially driving through Orem and Provo in the winter to see the holiday lights.
Joy loved music and served in her church’s choir for many years. She held numerous callings in both Relief Society and Primary, always adding her signature creative touch with thoughtful handouts and sweet treats. Her devotion and artistic flair brought joy to those she served.
Her professional work included serving as a secretary at BYU in the administration building before her marriage, and later as a legal secretary for an attorney in Utah. She even brought her granddaughter Brittany to work with her, making her office a second home filled with love. Bob, too, would visit and explore the office computers. Joy and Jay eventually started a business together called PC-ology, a computer training center that combined their talents and interests.
Joy never stopped supporting her children. She often woke Bob up with the BYU fight song and helped him every step of the way through high school, patiently guiding him with homework and encouragement. She was overcome with emotion when Bob left for his mission, crying at his farewell and again at the MTC. She faithfully wrote to him, sending letters at least twice a week. When Bob mistakenly sent all his warm clothes home, she became part of his legendary story of nearly freezing during a rare snowstorm in Taiwan.
Joy’s love of fun and family showed in the smallest moments. Her favorite movie, The Gods Must Be Crazy, made her laugh hysterically—so much so that her family often laughed just watching her laugh. She loved watching Disney movies with her grandchildren and found immense delight in their joy. She created darling family newsletters and, when that became difficult, switched to postcards so she could keep the connection alive. Her family home evening lesson packets were treasured, and she passed down the tradition by supporting Cheryl’s frequent invitations to host family gatherings at her home, keeping “FHE” strong into the next generation.
A beloved family tradition started in Michigan and continued in Utah: the “Discussion Box,” which slowly morphed into the “Disco Box” as some letters wore off. The box was
a place where children could write down things to discuss as a family—a beautiful symbol of how Joy encouraged connection, expression, and love in her home.
She had a playful spirit—she once rode an elephant at the San Diego Zoo, fulfilling one of her bucket list dreams. Another wish, to hug a polar bear, remained an unfulfilled but delightfully Joy-esque goal. She had a memorable fear of spiders—one of her most famous moments was being startled when Cheryl tossed a plastic spider into the bath. Laughter, love, and a bit of mischief were always present in Joy’s home.
Joy also participated in local theater, performing in productions at Valley Center Playhouse such as A Christmas Carol and A Peace and Pardon, adding another outlet for her creativity and love of performance.
Most of all, Joy created a warm, lively, and loving home. She formed lasting friendships with many dear sisters from church and the neighborhood, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and connection.
In 2008, Jay and Joy moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where they embraced a new chapter of life together. Joy worked in various doctor and dental offices, bringing her cheerful, compassionate spirit to every workplace. She was a bright light to both patients and coworkers.
Joy deeply loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy. Her dog, Happy, was her beloved companion—more than a pet, he was truly part of the family.
She found peace and beauty in the simple things—especially the breathtaking sunsets of New Mexico, which she loved to watch and often capture through her art. Joy continued to paint, create, and gather with those she loved most. Her creativity, warmth, and love of family continued to be the center of her life.
After the passing of her beloved husband, Jay, in 2021, Joy returned to Provo, Utah, where she made her home at Beehive Homes. In her final years, she was surrounded by compassionate caregivers who treated her with love, dignity, and respect. Her family is deeply grateful to the staff and owners of Beehive Homes for the kindness and exceptional care they gave to their beautiful and extraordinary mother.
Joy is preceded in death by parents Gerald Orlo Hinkson and Rachel Orle Twitchell Hinkson, husband Jay Parsons Markham, brother Gerald Willis Hinkson, brother Wayne Howard Hinkson, daughter Cheryl Lynn Markham Harris, grandson Bradley Michael Harris and great grandson Zachariah Guzman.
Joy is survived by her brother, Ren Marray (Pamela) Hinkson of Nampa, ID; children Stephen Jay (Nina) Markham of Kent, WA, David Allen (Holly) Markham of Eagle Mountain, UT, Rebecca Susan Markham (Scott) Wedge of Florence, AZ, and Robert William (Heather) Markham of Springville, UT; son in-law, Craig Clarke (Justine) Harris (Washington, MO); 40 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and many loving relatives