GASTONIA - Joy Stevette Morgan Mathis, 62, joined Jesus and her loved ones in heaven on January 25, 2012. She was born October 28, 1949 in Gastonia, daughter of Hilda Arrowood Morgan Olive and the late Walter Glenn Morgan.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Kelly Morgan and Robin Morgan Overcash.

Stevette was a graduate of Ashley High School in Gastonia and Appalachian State University. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Dallas, NC. and was a retired teacher in the Gaston County School System, having taught French at Grier Junior High for many years and later in the elementary foreign language program. After retirement, she taught English as a second language in the school system part-time and led tours for Broach Sports Tours in Charlotte and for SMS Tours of Waynesville, NC. 

Stevette was devoted to her family and many friends, especially her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephew who all lovingly referred to her as "Ette-'Ette." She loved traveling and baseball, having visited many foreign countries and every Major League Baseball park in the U.S. and Canada. She was voted the Radio Shack Extreme Baseball Fan of 2003 and was recognized at the All-Star Game in
Chicago. Locally, she could be spotted at area games or driving around town in her VW "baseball bug."

Stevette was interviewed once, by a photographer while watching the players on the field at spring training in Florida. She smiled and told him, "Girls like baseball, too!" And she sure did.

She was a vibrant, warm person. She smiled and joked and enjoyed life. She could make anyone laugh. She lit up a room the instant she walked in it, and once you met her, you never forgot her. She is missed so very much. May angels surround you, dear cousin.