July 14, 1926 – July 18, 2022
Pastor Joy Arthur, age 96 of Midland, died Monday, July 18, 2022 at MyMichigan Medical Center.
He began a career in Agriculture, studying at Michigan State University. In 1951, after serving in the US Navy, Rev. Arthur was recommended for ordained ministry by the Homer Methodist Church. He graduated from Taylor University, and Christian Theological Seminary, and served pastorates in Indiana from 1953-1964. Succeeding appointments in Detroit Conference, including Saginaw, Highland Park, Belleville, District Superintendent of Detroit East, Coleman and Faith United Methodist Church.
In addition to his pastoral ministry, Rev. Arthur led and participated in work projects and study tours of India, Egypt, Israel, USSR (under Gorbachev) and continued with Haiti, and Jamaica, Exchange Pastor in Plymouth England, World Peace Conferences, Night-Watch Ministry, in Saginaw, and United Methodist Core on Relief. Joy and wife, Dorothy, will be remembered for their commitment to peace endeavor, Christian hospitality and pastoral care. Recently, he was recognized as the oldest Elder, 96 years in the Michigan United Methodist Conference.
In 1991, he retired from 38 years of pastoral ministry and returned to green-green grass of home. He enjoyed his big vegetable garden, and at harvest time would give it away to the neighbors and the church for harvest dinners. Joy and Dorothy were active in nonviolent peace force. They enjoyed many family visits with their grandchildren. He was blessed with good health.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Dorothy (Brown) Arthur; son, Stephen W. Arthur of Midland; daughter, Spring (Arthur) Jackson and husband, Tom Jackson of Ann Arbor. Grandchildren, Noah S. Arthur of Midland, Phillip W. Jackson of Atlanta, Sarah (Jackson) Frost and husband, Josh Frost of Chapel Hill, NC; great grandson, Connor Jay Frost. Rev. Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, William E. and Bernice (Seely) Arthur; brother, Loren L. Arthur.
Memorials may be directed to Homer United Methodist Church, Nonviolent Peace force, US office 2610 University Ave W. Suite 550, St. Paul, MN 55114 or the organization of one’s choice.
Arrangements are in the care of Wilson Miller Funeral Home in Midland, MI.
Arthur, Joy Eldon (Dorothy) – [(RE) T N. IN, 1955; F N. IN, 1959] Alexandria Circuit 1953; DeSoto 1958; Muncie: College Avenue 1961; trans. to Detroit Conf, Saginaw: Jefferson Avenue (assoc) 1964; Highland Park: First 1969; Belleville 1973; Detroit East District Superintendent Sept 1982; Coleman: Faith, Geneva: Hope 1988; Coleman: Faith 1990; Retired January 1, 1991. Deceased July 18, 2022.
Last Updated on September 29, 2022