In Loving Memory of Joy Anneta Harbeson
With hearts filled with both sorrow and hope, we celebrate the life of Joy Anneta (Dotson) Harbeson, who walked on in spirit on July 28, 2026, at the age of 91. While her earthly journey has come to a close, her family rejoices in the assurance that she now rests with God and is reunited with her beloved husband, Leland Harbeson.
Joy was born on July 11, 1935, in Rush Springs, Oklahoma, to Harold Rufus Dotson and Bonnie Lee (Tate) Dotson. She lived a life characterized by unwavering faith, steadfast love, humility, and compassion. She understood that life’s greatest purpose was to love God and love others, reflecting Christ’s love through her words, her actions, and the quiet example she set each day. Throughout her life, Joy lived in Oklahoma, Texas, and California, eventually making her home in Los Angeles, where she created a warm and welcoming place for her church family, relatives, and countless friends. Later, she and her husband moved to Cross Plains and White House, Tennessee, where their daughter, Tammy (Harbeson) Pugliese, lovingly cared for and supported them. After Lee’s passing, Joy lived with her daughter Kathy LeMieux in Minnesota, and later with her daughter Laurie Graham in California, where she remained until she passed peacefully in her sleep.
Joy often shared stories of her childhood, recalling how she began picking cotton at just five years old, dragging a large sack behind her mother through the fields. She treasured memories of East Los Angeles, especially its orange orchards during the 1960s and 1970s and visits to Olvera Street. As a young girl, she lovingly helped care for her two younger brothers while her mother worked two jobs every day for more than 25 years Joy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful member of her church. Her life’s work was centered in her home and her faith. She graciously opened her home to pastors, elders, family, and friends — preparing meals, hosting visitors, and traveling countless miles to church campgrounds and meetings in support of the ministry she and Lee loved.
She was especially known for her homemade German chocolate cake and her scratch-made bacon and sausage gravy, dishes eagerly requested by family and friends. Whenever ministry called, Joy willingly moved across the country beside her husband, supporting him with quiet strength and unwavering devotion. For twelve years, Joy faithfully accompanied Lee during his service with the United States Navy Seabees, including the Korean War conflict. embracing the sacrifices and adventures of military life. Together they enjoyed dancing to the lively polkas and swing partner dances of the 1950s, creating joyful memories that remained dear throughout their lives. Their favorite dance was the Parisian Les Apaches.
Joy also had a special love for dolls and children’s toys. Remembering the hardships of growing up during the Great Depression, she created a section in Lee’s store devoted to dolls and toys—items she had longed for as a child but could not afford. Her generous spirit and tender heart were reflected in everything she did. She dedicated her days to caring for the people she loved. Whether preparing a Sunday family dinner, welcoming guests into her home, or offering quiet encouragement, Joy had a remarkable gift for making others feel loved and at peace. Above all, she taught her family to follow Christ through the example of her own steadfast faith and Christian character.
Joy is lovingly survived by her daughters, Kathy (Ken) LeMieux, Tammy (Steve) Pugliese, and Laurie (Eric) Graham; her grandchildren, Tim Lee Clifford, Trina (Kevin) Berry, Cheri, Lance (Bonnie) Pugliese, Luke (Madison) Pugliese, Wesley (Lindsay) Kenyon, Lula (Max) LeMieux Graham and Alana LeMieux; her great-grandchildren, Westin, Keslin, Hazel, Mason, Carter, Violet, Roman, Kily, Lincoln, Jace, Sadie, Kaia, Campbell; and many cherished family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold Rufus Dotson, Sr., and Bonnie Lee (Tate) Dotson; her beloved husband, Leland H. Harbeson; and her brothers, Harold Dotson Jr., and David Dotson.
Though we grieve her absence, we do not grieve without hope. As Scripture reminds us: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
Joy has now received that eternal home where there is no more pain, sorrow, or death, but everlasting peace and perfect joy. A graveside Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 1PM in White House Memorial Gardens, 3639 Hwy. 31W, White House, Tennessee. Family and friends are invited to gather graveside only, in thanksgiving for a life well lived. We thank God for the blessing of Joy’s life and the countless ways she reflected His love to everyone she encountered. Her legacy is one of faith, kindness, grace, and enduring love. Though she will be deeply missed, her family rests in the sure hope that this farewell is not forever. Until that glorious day of reunion, her memory will remain a treasured blessing, and her witness of faith will continue to inspire generations to come.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23
ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 7188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com
