Joan Worthey

Ruby Joan Clark Worthey was born to William Nual Clark and Ruby Lee Keith Clark on September 18, 1934, in Waco, Texas. Joan lived 89 years and died peacefully in her home on November 24, 2023.

Joan graduated from PSJA High School in Pharr, Texas, and continued to Baylor University. She finished her bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas and continued there to complete a master’s degree. She began her career in education as a teacher in Del Valle, Texas. Subsequently, she also taught in McDade, Texas and continued to Elgin, Texas where she spent most of her time. In Elgin, she served as a special education teacher, educational diagnostician, principal, and curriculum director.

Joan was active and well-loved in her church as well, serving as a Sunday school teacher for many years, singing in the choir, and serving on many committees. In the last number of years, she was honored to participate in the groundbreaking for the new building for the First Baptist Church of Elgin.

Joan was dedicated to her family. She is survived by three children: Michael Keith Worthey (wife: Sharon Worthey) of Grand Prairie, TX; Michelle Heidemann (husband: Randy Heidemann) of Glen Jean, WV; and Marshall Worthey (wife: Lorrie Worthey) of Green Mountain Falls, CO.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Richard and Joanna, Tracie, Gabriel and Karissa, Michael, Joshua and Breanne, Noah, Hannah and Zach, and Naomi.

She was blessed also with great and great great grandchildren: Christina, Faith and Justin, Asher, Nicole, Isaac and Bethany, Abel, Saint, Liam, Asha, Kennet, Avery, Balian, and Malakai.

She is also survived by a much-loved sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Wright Clark, and a niece and nephew, Denise (husband: Adolpho), and Corey.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, her brother, Robert Nual Clark, and her grandchildren Aria, Iszabela, Isla, and Jacob.

The viewing will be held at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home in Elgin, Texas on Saturday evening, December 2, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 PM. Services will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2023, in the same location at 1:30 PM; interment following at Elgin Cemetery. Memorial Donations can be sent to First Baptist Church of Elgin, Texas, attention to Lottie Moon offering.