Joy Eileen Collier Heath

Joy Eileen Collier Heath, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend passed from this life on July 19, 2024, at the age of 85. Joy was aptly named and was known for her bright countenance and thoughtful service to those around her. Her love for and commitment to her family and the gospel of Jesus Christ, were hallmarks of her character. She was cheerful, energetic, creative, organized and hardworking. In her last decade she experienced many severe health challenges. Through these she exemplified patience, perseverance, determination, humor, humility, gratitude and faith.

 Joy was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on May 16, 1939, to Vernon and Gwladys (Morgan) Collier. When she was two, her father passed away, and she moved with her mother and brother into her grandmother’s home so that her mother could work to support the family. The new setting with a large extended family on a tight budget was loving but strict, and sometimes lonely for a child. But it was also full of family gatherings, music and lots of homemade pie. Joy absorbed the stories, recipes and traditions of her English and Welsh relatives who helped raise her. She also remained close to her father’s side of the family and spent many happy days visiting grandparents and cousins in Vernal, Utah. Love of ancestors and heritage would remain a defining theme in her life. One of her great accomplishments was the writing of two large, engaging volumes of family history lovingly titled, “The Family Stories.”

 From her early years Joy learned to value work, education and faith. She was outgoing, cheerful and creative. She loved to dance and sing. She especially enjoyed performing with the South High A Capella Choir. She excelled in school and became a cheerleader and a class officer while at South. She continued her education at the University of Utah and graduated with a degree in Home Economics. During this time Joy met and married a tall, slim sociology student named Henry Heath. She taught Junior High Home Economics while Henry completed law school.

 Joy and Henry were the parents of three boys and two girls. Joy had a deep love and tender appreciation for children, and poured her heart into creating a home that nurtured them in faith, work, learning, and play. She paid attention to their individual needs and interests, and thoughtfully designed experiences to delight them. A favorite time of day was gathering to hear her read stories in her warm, expressive voice. As grandchildren came along, “Grammy’s” house became a place of dress-up, tea-parties, puppet shows, and many hours of playing games. She took special time and thought to develop her relationship with each grandchild and let them know they were cherished. 

 Joy loved to learn and was endlessly inspired by the beauty, intricacy and variety of the natural world around her. In this, she recognized the fingerprint of a wise and loving Creator and delighted to share these wonders with others. She was an avid gardener and an excellent cook. She loved birdwatching, camping, skiing, and sewing. She took keen interest in history and her patriotism was contagious. She loved to read and was a gifted writer.

 Over the years, Joy served enthusiastically in many capacities at church and in the community. She assisted with elections, boy scouts, and school functions. She had big ideas and helped plan many church activities and high school reunions. She especially treasured her time volunteering with church youth, serving in the California Carlsbad Mission and working in the temple. She was a diligent student of the scriptures and an ardent disciple of Jesus Christ. Her dedicated service and noble example have had an enduring impact on her family, friends and community.

 Joy is survived by her husband of 62 years, Henry E. Heath, sons John (Sharalyn), Morgan (Amy), and Mitch (Gwen), and daughters Heidi (Anthony) Thompson, and Holly (Jacob) Draper, as well as eighteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

 The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Grove Creek Assisted Living in Lindon, Utah, as well as the many doctors, nurses, hospice care workers, ward members and friends who cared for and comforted her during the years of her declining health.

 Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 6, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Kaysville 10th Ward, 1039 E. Crestwood Rd, Kaysville, Utah. Friends may visit with family on Monday, August 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Kaysville Mortuary, 400 N. Main, Kaysville, Utah. and Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral service.

 Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

 The funeral service will be live-streamed and may be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of Joy’s obituary page at www.lindquistmortuary.com.

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