Joy Sue Tipton Akins Garbs, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, surrounded by the love she so generously gave throughout her life. She was 66 years old.

Joy was born on October 9, 1959, in Cisco, Texas, to the late Chesley Tipton and Iris Tipton. She grew up in the close-knit community of Big Sandy, Texas, where she was shaped by the values of faith, family, and neighborly kindness. She proudly graduated from Big Sandy High School in 1977; a milestone she carried with her throughout her life as a symbol of roots and resilience.

Joy's heart was never fuller than when she was with family. She took great pride in her family and looked forward to all her time with those she loved. She had a strong faith in her Savior Jesus Christ and faithfully read her Bible and leaned on Him.

She is survived by her loving husband of 25 years, Charles Garbs; her brother, Tommy Tipton; her daughter, Leslie Harroff and her husband Garland; her son, Bo Akins and his wife Amanda; her stepsons, Christian and wife Elizabeth, Devin, and Michael David and partner Stesha; her cherished grandchildren, Allison and her husband Ashton, Morgan and her husband Jacob, Luke, Dante, Saoirse, Charlotte, Tessa, and Norris; and her precious great-granddaughter, Rosemary Iris, whose name carries a tender tribute to mother Joy herself was raised by. She was preceded in death by her parents, Brother Dan Tipton and former husband Carl Akins (married 1977-2000).

Joy touched every life she entered with grace, compassion, kindness and a loving smile. Her memory will live on in the smiles of those who knew her, the stories that will be told for generations, and the great love she poured into every relationship she treasured.

Graveside Services will be held on Monday, May 18th at 10:00am at Hoover Cemetery in Big Sandy, Texas.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." ~ Philippians 4:13