Eufaula woman killed by lightning strike, family mourns her loss: 'She brought joy everywhere she went'

A woman who died after being struck by lightning in Eufaula over the weekend is being remembered by family as a joyful, artistic spirit who loved the outdoors.

Joy Rogers was on her regular evening walk when she was struck and killed by lightning.

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Her uncle, Joe Johnson, says Joy had just finished watching a movie with her mother when she jumped up, determined to squeeze in her walk before the approaching storm rolled in.

“That was her walk,” Johnson said. “She had a mile and a half course she set out there, and she would walk it every evening. She loved being outdoors.”

Part of that walk included a cemetery, an area she often photographed. She had a fascination with old headstones and local history, often sharing photos with family.

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“She loved being outdoors, and she would take pictures of the old headstones, and then she'd find new ones and send them to me and say, 'Can you believe this was before the Civil War?'” Johnson said.

In addition to her love of the outdoors, Joy was a talented artist. She painted murals in downtown Eufaula. Her uncle says she was full of life and energy, always bringing laughter and positivity to family gatherings.

“She was unique,” Johnson said. “She was always a free spirit, full of life, always smiling and laughing, and just fun to be around. She brought joy everywhere she went.”

A service to remember Joy is planned for Thursday. Her family is asking for prayers as they mourn a life lost too soon.

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