Joy Dixon Frantz, 92, of Salem, Virginia, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, August 9, 2026.

Born in Charlotte, N.C., in 1934, Joy was the daughter of Estelle Nelson Dixon Foil and Robert Tompkins Dixon. She grew up in "the Queen City" and was educated at St. Catherine's School in Richmond, Va., and Salem College in Winston-Salem, N.C. Through mutual friends, she met and fell in love with Spencer Frantz of Salem, Va., whom she married in 1954. After Spencer completed military service in the Army, he and Joy moved to Salem, where they built a home and raised their two sons. She loved living in the country and being able to look across the valley and see the mountains and early morning sunrises.

What most defined Joy's life was her deep faith in God and her love of family. She was an active member of Salem Presbyterian Church, where she taught Bible Study, and was an Elder. She was a graduate of the Education for Ministry (EfM), a four-year theological program for lay people. Joy took great pride in working alongside her husband to help establish a Columbarium and Memorial Garden at Salem Presbyterian. In addition to maintaining the garden, she also enjoyed arranging flowers for the church.

A constant throughout Joy's life was the devotion of her husband and the love she held for her family, a love which grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When she was not spending time with them, she enjoyed a full and active life filled with traveling, tennis, golf and bridge. She especially treasured time with friends and family. Joy also felt blessed to be able to spend time in Naples, Florida, and was grateful for the many friends who vacationed or lived there.

Joy also found fulfillment in giving back to her community. She was active in the community through organizations such as United Way, Junior League of Roanoke Valley, Council of Community Services, Foundation for Roanoke Valley and the Salem Branch of the Needlework Guild of America.

Joy will be remembered for her deep faith in Christ, her unwavering devotion to family, her kindness, her humor, her impeccable sense of style and her generous spirit.

Joy is survived by her husband of 72 years, J. Spencer Frantz; children, James S. Frantz, Jr. (Janet) and Robert R. Frantz (Sherry); grandchildren, J. Spencer Frantz, III (Claire), Mary Frantz Roberts (Andy), and Austin Dixon Frantz; great-grandchildren, Lillian Frantz, Blaine Roberts, and Elizabeth Frantz. In addition to her parents, Joy is predeceased by her sister, Carol Dixon Davies, and Carol's husband, Charles W. Davies.

She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Lanier Frantz (Thecla) and Bouldin Frantz (Clarice), and by several nieces and nephews, whom she adored.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Salem Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception to gather with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Salem Presbyterian Church (www.salempres.org) (P.O. Box 536, Salem, VA 24153) or to Good Samaritan Hospice (www.goodsam.care) (4751 Cove Road NW, Roanoke, VA 24017).

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.