Joy Selzer Thurston

Joy Selzer Thurston, age 73, of Desloge passed away on Thursday, August 3, 2023, peacefully alongside her son Pete Selzer III and her wiener dog Winnie. Joy was born on Wednesday, December 14, 1949, to the late Fred and Jean (Bridges) Sapper.

In addition to her parents and son, she was preceded in death by first husband Pete Selzer Jr,; sisters, Rita and Reta Sapper; in-laws, Pete and Virginia Selzer; sister-in-law, Janet House; second husband, Harold Thurston; his mother, Betty Thurston.

Joy is survived by her loving daughters Tracy (Rob) Burns and Carmen (Dewayne) Higgins, grandchildren Casey and Rion Burns, Madison Nohren, Destiny Higgins and Bailea Higgins; four step-children, Mendy (Josh) Findley, Jamie (Ken) Thurston, Travis Thurston and Robie (Allison) Thurston; five great-grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; sister, Becky Sapper; brothers, Greg (Kathy) Sapper and Joe Sapper; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law; beloved foreign exchange students; bonus children, Montse and Christina along with other family and friends survive.

Joy was a bus monitor for Special Acres State School and a member of Delassus Baptist Church. She was everyone’s friend and loved going places and staying busy. If you asked her to go somewhere she packed her dancing shoes and was ready to go. She was the center of the universe to her children and grandchildren. She taught them to love deeply and stay loyal. She will be missed beyond measure.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 6, 2023, from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM at C. Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home in Desloge. Visitation will resume at the funeral home on Monday, August 7, 2023, from 11:00 AM until service time of 1:00 PM. with Pastor Chuck Lotz officiating. Burial to follow at St. Francois Memorial Park in Bonne Terre. Family asked that memorials be made in memory of Joy to the choice of the donor.