Joy Mefford Malone

Joy Mefford Malone, 62 of Owensboro passed into the arms of her Savior on Monday, January 9, 2017 at Vanderbilt University Hospital. Her love for Christ, musical gifts and faithfulness during her illness were a testimony to the grace of God in her life. Joy was born April 7, 1954 in Owensboro to the late Durwood and Martha Galloway Mefford.

Joy glorified God as a follower of Jesus Christ, a wife, mother, sister, "Mimi", piano teacher, collaborative pianist, composer and arranger. Her musical gifts were multi-faceted and extraordinary. She felt God's pleasure when she played, and it brought her overwhelming happiness. At her home church, Heritage Baptist, she played supportively and artistically to color the text and stylistically played to support the congregational singing. Intuitively, she could tell what a hymn needed to bring a fuller sense of worship.

Her roles included pianist at First Baptist Church, collaborative pianist for Kentucky All State and All-District Choirs at the High School, Junior High and Elementary levels as well as wonderful summers with Music at Maple Mount. She played at Carnegie Hall with the Festival Chorus and New York City Chamber Orchestra for the Mozart Requiem in 2012. This past summer, her composition "The Music Within Us," initially sung by the Kentucky Youth Chorale, was featured at the International Children's Choral Festival at Canterbury Cathedral in London, England. Several other compositions will soon be submitted for publication.

Thirty-eight years and hundreds of piano students received a legacy of patient and encouraging instruction. Some participated in Governor's School for the Arts, some pursued piano as a career or became instructors themselves, and some continue her legacy by accompanying their congregations in worship. Her children had the privilege of her faithful, fun and quiet parenting. Her grandchildren adored and were adored by their 'Mimi'.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 39 years, David, daughter Katie Malone Redfern and her husband Mark with their children Judson, Piper Joy and Caroline; daughter Emily Hope Malone; son Calvin David Malone all of Owensboro; sisters, Susan Toadvine and her husband Michael of Louisville, and Sandra Jane Wilson and her husband Jon of Owensboro.

The service will be noon on Saturday at Heritage Baptist Church with Pastors Ted Christman and Mark Redfern officiating. Burial will follow at Owensboro Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Friday from 3:00 – 8:00 pm and Saturday after 10:00 am at the church.

Memorial contributions may take the form of donations to the "Joy Mefford Malone Music Fund" at Heritage Christian School, 3585 Thruston-Dermont Rd. Owensboro, KY 42303 or "The Scleroderma Foundation" in her name via www.scleroderma.org. Contributions to both will be matched up to $3000.