Joy Lee Dove

Joy Lee Dove, born on September 22, 1938, in Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Joy was the beloved daughter of the late Florence and John Henry Houser, and she grew up in the warm embrace of her family in Knoxville, surrounded by her siblings: Joe Mac Houser, Betty Ann Chilastri, Jerry Elaine Cuttler, John Thomas Houser, Ronald Carl Houser, David Eugene Houser, Mickey Ray Houser, Alice Miller, and Tawana Eileen Long. She was also the granddaughter of John and Stella Williams, and Joseph M. and Leanne Houser. Joy met the love of her life, William “Billy” Dove, at Johnny’s Tavern, a bar owned by Billy’s uncle. They married on February 23, and their love was a true testament to devotion and companionship. One of Joy’s favorite songs, “Your Man” by Josh Turner, always brought a smile to her face, reminding her of the beautiful moments shared with her late husband, Billy. Together, they built a loving family grounded in care and support. Joy was the proud mother of Clarence E. Burros, Michael J. Burros, Joy Lee Mazzullo (Doug), Billi Jo Dove, Vincent Dugan, and adopted daughter Kathy Brown (Scott). She was a doting grandmother to Robert Casey Mazzullo (Taylor) and Rebekka Ann Mazzullo, and she had a special bond with her many loving nieces and nephews. Joy also had a close relationship with her niece Diane Smith and her husband Jody. Throughout her life, Joy was known for her warmth and generosity. She welcomed everyone into her home, treating them as family, and fostering deep connections with those around her. Joy spent the early years of her marriage attending stock car races and hosting family poker games, where laughter and love thrived. She had a passion for collecting antiques, particularly the beloved Jewel Tea China, reminiscent of her Aunt Ray. Joy cherished family trips to Ocean City and was dedicated to gardening, shopping, and planning family gatherings and holiday celebrations. As a child, Joy was a protective and loving sibling, always putting her family first. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Emory Dove, her son Clarence E. Burros and her daughter, Joy Lee Mazzullo. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 11 AM to 12 PM, with a service to follow at 12 PM at Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, located at 106 Shamrock Rd., Chester, MD 21619. Interment will immediately follow the service at Stevensville Cemetery in Chester, Maryland, where Joy and her late husband Bill will be reunited. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) honoring Joy’s compassionate spirit and her commitment to family and community. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love she shared and the lives she touched.

Joy Lee Dove

September 22, 1938 - June 25, 2025