Joyce "Joy" Loretta (Testerman) Newell

Joy Newell, 58, of West Jefferson, NC, was embraced by the Lord on Sunday, September 21, 2025 after fighting a battle with esophageal cancer. Our warrior was surrounded by her family and friends in her home. 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV

These words were on Joy’s wall in her home where she could see them every day, and she lived by them fully. With Jesus, her dog Leia, and some sunshine and fresh air, Joy took the world on one hike on Mt. Jefferson at a time. 

Joy dedicated her life to helping others. She was a caregiver for multiple people in Ashe County starting many years ago, and did that until her body would no longer let her. (Though I’m sure if we would’ve turned our heads for too long, she would’ve still tried.) 

She was an amazing mother, Mimi, sister, and daughter. She loved LOUDLY and loved many. She truly took the time to study the Word and become a better person through it, and genuinely believed in loving thy neighbor, even when she didn’t agree with them or understand their point of view. 

Joy loved game nights with her children, cooking for them, and just sitting back and watching them laugh. If you ever heard shouting on nights when the Tarheels were playing basketball, that was just Joy, coaching them from the couch. 

Joy is survived by her children Josh Newell and his wife, Sarah Newell of Crumpler, NC, Kacy Ramsey and husband, Jeremiah Ramsey of Decatur, AR, Nicholas Borges of Dawson, GA, Emily Stone of West Jefferson, NC, grandson Jaxon Ramsey and granddaughter Scarlett Ramsey of Decatur, AR, sisters Sue Testerman and Ruby Sexton, five brothers, Mike Testerman and wife Karen, Fred Testerman and wife Rennie, John Testerman, Richard Testerman, and James Testerman and wife Angie, She is also survived by many nieces and nephews that were adored by her, and more special friends than we would ever have room for to list. If you knew Joy, include yourself here. 

Her welcome party in Heaven includes her mother and father, Lucy and Fred Testerman, her sister, Peggy Testerman Bledsoe, her grandbabies — Avacyn, Taylor, Gus, and Lincoln —and a whole pack of puppies that left an impression on our entire family during their time here. 

A celebration of life will be held for Joy at a date to be announced on Mt. Jefferson, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Singing Dog Farm, a husky rescue serving the areas of NC, SC, VA, and TN. (www.singingdogfarm.org). 

Love like Joy. 

Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhime.com

Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Newell family.

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