Joy Lavon Buss Perkins

Joy Lavon Buss Perkins passed away peacefully in Groesbeck, Texas, on Saturday, July 6th, 2024.

Joy was born to Albert and Verna Buss on August 15, 1935, in Bristol, South Dakota.  She grew up around Pierpont, South Dakota, and learned to appreciate the outdoors and school athletics. Joy graduated from Northern State Teachers College in 1954 and the University of Texas at Dallas in 1989. She taught private Kindergarten where her children could go with her.  In 1969 she was employed by the Richardson Independent School District and retired from there after 28 years of service in 1998.

Joy married the love of her life, Andrew (“Andy” or “Dalt”) Perkins on July 8, 1954.  They lived in Oceana, Virginia, Fargo, North Dakota, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Richardson, Texas, Lindale, Texas, Georgetown (Sun City), Texas, Waco, Texas, and more recently, Joy moved to Groesbeck, Texas.

In retirement, Joy and Andy enjoyed traveling to all parts of the world with friends and family.  She enjoyed engaging in Bridge, Mahjong, water aerobics and her church. She had an avid love for running and biking - often going over 10 miles a day.

Joy is survived by her daughter Kimberly Grimes and husband Perry of Nacogdoches, Texas, son Greg Perkins and wife Keri of Groesbeck, Texas, brother-in-law Mark Perkins & wife Dawn of Claremont, South Dakota, sister-in-law Alice Eckhoff of Oregon, five grandchildren - Lauren Grimes Felter and husband Doug, Levi Grimes and wife Sascha, Camille Perkins, Blaine Perkins and J.D. Perkins.  In addition, she had four great-grandchildren - Natalie and Garrett Felter and Lillianna and Seraphina Grimes.  She had numerous beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

Joy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Andrew Dalton Perkins of almost 70 years; her parents, Albert and Verna Buss; brothers and sisters-in-laws, Blaine Sippel and wife Jean and Orlyn Sippel and wife Jackie.

Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.