Joy L. Hellmann

Joy Hellmann Longtime Chico resident, Joy Hellmann, 94, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2016. Known for her generosity, dedication, and great sense of humor, she truly lived up to her name. Born to Samuel F. Browning and Alice Jerusha Bunker on August 19, 1921, as Avis Joy in Centralia, Washington, she was the youngest of four brothers and two sisters. Raised on the family farm on Lincoln Creek, she was very proud of her pioneer heritage and belonged to the Bunker Family Association of America. Joy graduated from Adna High School in 1940, and later from Tacoma Business College. Soon after, she married Dr. James W. Lewis. They had four children. Together, they established the Madras Veterinary Clinic in Oregon. Following the death of her husband, she moved her family to Chico in 1963. Joy married Norman L. Hellmann in 1968. They traveled to Canada, Maryland, Hawaii, and the Panama Canal. After he passed away in 1983, Joy continued traveling with friends, family, or her church group to Bunker Hill, Branson, Australia, New Zealand, Bahamas, Florida, Arizona, Texas, and Alaska. Joy was employed as a Deputy County Clerk for Jefferson County, Oregon, as a sales representative for Sarah Coventry Jewelry, and with the Family Service Outreach Program for Family Services of Chico. The First Christian Church had always enriched her life, faith, and fellowship. She was a full-time volunteer for many organizations, including: Enloe Medical Center and Hospice, The American Cancer Society, Arroyo Federated Women's Club, Habitat for Humanity, The Jesus Center, ARC, Work Training Center, and others. Joy was always devoted to family. Her eldest son, James W. Lewis, Jr. predeceased her. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Marcia Lewis, son, Donald E. Lewis, and daughters Carol L. Accettola (John), Constance Joy Lewis-Coffin (Tom); and two stepdaughters, Claudia Maddux (Bob), and Christi Hellmann. Her pride and joy were her 11 Grandchildren, 17 Great-Grandchildren, and 3 Great-Great-Grandchildren. For the past few years, she had been in the kind care of Windsor Chico Creek Care and Rehabilitation. She was nicknamed "Joy to the World" by the staff. We appreciate their dedicated efforts to provide an active, safe, and comfortable life for her. Donations may be made to The First Christian Church or any of her beloved charities. She wished for you to volunteer your time, "Volunteers, America's Strength." Visitation is Friday, May 6 from 5:00-8:00 PM at Brusie Funeral Home. The Service is Saturday, May 7 at 11:00 AM, at Brusie Funeral Home. It will be followed by the Graveside Dedication at Glen Oaks Memorial Park. The First Christian Church is hosting Fellowship.