Nola J. (Brown) Joy

Nola J. Joy, 88, of Keokuk, passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at River Hills Village in Keokuk, Iowa.

Nola was born near January 9, 1932, in Memphis, Missouri to James Calvin and Lena Belle (Jeffrey) Brown. She attended Memphis schools, graduating in 1949.

Nola married Billy Joe Bennett in 1952 and moved to Keokuk. She was a survivor of the Armory Explosion in November of 1965 in which her small son, Tony. J. Bennett and her husband, Billy J. Bennett were killed. In 1995 she married Glen J. Fugate in Keokuk.

Nola is survived by her husband Glen Fugate of Keokuk; three siblings: Aloha Coffrin, Norma Fincher and Gene (Jona) Brown; two step-sons: David William Fugate, Jr., and Douglas Jay Fugate and their families; and several nieces and nephews.

Nola lived in Keokuk since 1950 except for 3 years  spent in Maine where she ran the Base Exchange Warehouse for the Air Force. Nola returned to Keokuk in 1955 and worked at Hoerner’s Boxes as an office employee.

Nola was active in many civic and community affairs. She was a member of Trinity Methodist Church. She served on the board of the Women’s Society, Board of Trustees and Memorial Board and Church Commission on Missions. Nola was a member of the Grace Geddard Circle of King’s Daughters, American Legion Auxiliary and the Chamber of Commerce. She was a past officer of League of Women Voters and was chair of City Planning for years. Nola was a four term president of First Mates at Keokuk Yacht Club and a board member for the Keokuk Hospital Auxiliary, joining in 1967. She was chairman of Keokuk Area Hospital Auxiliary Flower Committee for ten years. Nola served 5 years on Iowa Hospital Association Board at the state level doing presentations and workshops statewide. She was Chairman of South Lee County Cancer Drive. Nolas was a long-term member of the City Planning Commision of Keokuk with several years as chairman. She actively donated her time and talents to volunteer projects since 1965.

Nola’s hobbies included flower arranging, crewel work and extensive travel in the United States and abroad.

No services will be held at this time. Interment has taken place in the Keokuk National Cemetery with her son Tony J. Bennett and her husband Billy J. Bennett.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to: Children and Families of Iowa, 1111 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50314-9916; Keokuk Area Hospital Auxiliary; Trinity Methodist Church; or Keokuk Area Hospital Foundation Board.

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