Mrs. Joy Dyson Privett

Mrs. Joy Estelle Dyson Privett of Arab, Alabama; passed away on Sunday - February 28, 2021 at the age of 74 with her loving husband and two children by her side. She was born December 14, 1946 in Austell, Georgia to Jewell Shelnutt Dyson and George Franklin Dyson Sr. Those left to cherish her memories are her husband of over 50 years, Bill Privett, her children Shelley Privett Knox (Benjamin) and Brian Privett (Melinda); Joy was known as “Nana” to her grandchildren Andrew, Abigail, and Jackson Knox, and Elizabeth, Sydney, Kenzie Privett, Jatona Corn, and Muniru Bawa; sisters Judy Riddell (Bob) and Jolli Weaver (Rodney), and brother George Dyson Jr. (Tasha) of Georgia; along with a host of adored nieces and nephews. Joy graduated from South Cobb High School in 1964. She continued her education at Georgia Southern University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education and received her Masters through the University of Alabama in 1976. In addition to her beloved parents Mrs. Privett is at last reunited with her brother, David Dyson. Joy and her family moved to Arab in 1974. Her strong desire to help others led her to a career in Special Education. She worked at Arab High School for 30 years where she touched countless lives of students. She was an active member of the Arab First United Methodist Church. Her giving spirit led her to chair many committees and service organizations. Through her love of crocheting, she created the David’s Prayer Shawl Ministry in memory of her brother, providing comforting blankets for people all over the world. She assisted with the Christmas Coalition Christmas and Beyond Program and even found a way to make it happen in spite of COVID restrictions. She was on the Arab Beautification Board, assisted with the Litter Clean Up programs, and was awarded Arab Citizen of the Year. She also volunteered for Friends of the Library, The Red Cross, and Blessings in a Backpack. Joy’s love for others extended across the world as she provided time and support for the people of Ghana and the Eugemot Orphanage. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, working in her flower beds, canning vegetables, and beach trips with her loved ones. A celebration of Joy’s life will be held Saturday, March 6th, at the Arab First United Methodist Church. Visitation begins at 12 noon and a service will begin at 2:00 pm. In accordance with her wishes, Joy’s ashes will be spread near the ocean at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Joy Privett Memorial Fund (https://gofund.me/eae6f8c3) which will continue to support her many ministry involvements. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, Assisting the Privett Family.

Mrs. Joy Dyson Privett

December 14, 1946 - February 28, 2021