Lasting Memories

Joy Jean Swift
Nov. 4, 1932-June 24, 2026
Palo Alto, California
Submitted by Marc Hornbostel

Joy Jean Cox Swift passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026, surrounded by family. The world is profoundly and forever brighter because she was here.

Joy was born in a chicken coop in Oklahoma on November 4, 1932 to Beula and Beatrice Cox. She was raised in Muleshoe, then Bugscuffle, Texas in sharecropping communities where she helped pick cotton and watch her younger siblings. Joy began to cook for the family at 9 years old, which she enjoyed quitting in her later years. In 1943, they migrated to Westley, California. Joy excelled in basketball and made lifelong friends at Patterson High School.

At 17, Joy set out on her own to San Francisco. She attended dental nursing school and found community at the 17th Street Church of Christ. There, she met David Swift. They married on August 28, 1959, before settling in Palo Alto. Together, they became proud parents to Greg and Kendra.

While raising her children and managing finances for David’s business, Joy worked in sales and personnel. Joy’s artistry shone in her many creative endeavors. She was a talented fiber and fabric artist, writer, Reiki practitioner, and more. She shared her skills generously, from making doll clothes for her grandchildren to creating weekly floral arrangements for church. Wherever she found herself, Joy was known for her kindness, humanity, and thoughtfulness.

Joy and David helped found Palo Alto Church of Christ. They constructed the building, welcomed its first meeting in 1961, and continued to serve, teach, mentor, and commune there for life. Joy was the first woman to teach a Bible class and welcomed those in need to live in her home. She shared her wisdom through decades of challenges and changes. At Sierra Bible Camp, Joy was an essential fixture. She taught teenagers how to be good friends, listen well, write letters of appreciation, and enjoy the taste of roasted crickets. She sewed aprons and served at work days. Each night, she put the camp to bed with a story.

Joy’s passion for storytelling is what many remember best about her. Joy performed in storytelling festivals across California, led the Southbay Storytellers and Listeners group, and hosted the annual Tellebration event. Joy enjoyed mentoring new tellers and children into empowered speakers and welcomed all ages in her storytelling groups. For her impact, Joy was honored by the Bay Area Storytelling Festival, given the National Storytelling Network’s Pacific Region Service Award, and received the Storytelling Association of California’s Regional Gem Award. Joy was still performing and sharing this gift at 93.

Throughout life, Joy emanated approachability. Anywhere she went, strangers would come talk to her and leave as friends. She was a skilled listener and wise confidant. She was Grandma Joy to many more than relatives and she always remembered to send a birthday card. She firmly believed everyone needed at least three hugs a day. She loved redwood forests, state parks, and sunshine in her yard. She loved singing in church and outsmarting squirrels. We will all miss her bright smile, her words of encouragement, her steadfast strength, her warm hugs. Surviving family includes her brothers Leon (Mindy) and JC, children Kendra (Marc) and Greg (Toni), grandchildren Nathan (Amber), Eileen (Jack), Antonia (Karl), and Adam, and great-grandchildren. Joy’s husband of 45 years, David, and sister, Colleen, precede her in death. A memorial service will be held on October 10th at Highway Palo Alto, 3373 Middlefield Road. Donations in Joy’s name to The Highway Community or the California State Parks Foundation are appreciated. For further details and memories, please visit www.joyswift.net.