Joy Diane Mosbarger, 68, died unexpectedly on October 5 after suffering a severe brain bleed. Joy was born November 19, 1956, to Donald and Beverly Mosbarger. She grew up in Fillmore and graduated from Fillmore High School in 1974.
Joy attended Cal State Bakersfield majoring in Math, but soon transferred to Biola University and graduated with her Bachelors degree in 1979. She found her true calling with Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC), working with college students, which she really loved. She served on campuses in Fresno and Chico and participated in summer projects in Florida and Europe in the twelve years she spent with CCC.
Joy really valued education, and wanted to prepare herself for a teaching ministry. She enrolled at Talbot School of Theology in 1991 and became a full-time seminary student. She earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1993 from Talbot, then a Master of Theology degree in 1995. She taught some classes at Talbot and was involved in student ministry at this time, and also traveled to Israel in 1996 with Talbot. Joy was fortunate to live in Whittier near family members and to spend time with them during her time as a seminary student.
She spent the next several years obtaining her Doctor of Philosophy in Theology in Old Testament degree from Fuller Theological Seminary, in 2013. During this time she was treated successfully for breast cancer. She became an Adjunct Faculty member at Talbot where she taught online and in-person classes in theological research methods, Hebrew, and Old Testament for several years until her death.
She moved back to Fillmore to help care for her dad until he passed in 2020. She was self-employed as a manuscript editor for publishing companies, and for seminary students completing their doctoral theses. She became very involved with Faith Community Church, and hosted Bible studies and fun gatherings in her home. She was a mentor for several women in her group, who valued her wise counsel. She faithfully kept in touch with long-time friends and enjoyed their visits.
Joy was single all her life. She loved cats, and leaves behind Lance. She was vegan, walked regularly for exercise, and was very frugal! She loved the Lord and served Him well, and was ready for her new home in Heaven when He called her. Her work on earth was done.
Joy was preceded in death by her parents. Her sister Jill of Oak View survives her, as well as several cousins. Joy’s graveside service at Bardsdale Cemetery will be on Monday, October 27, at 10:30 a.m. A memorial service hosted by Faith Community Church, 355 D Street in Fillmore, will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 10:00. All are welcome at both services.
Donations in Joy’s memory may be made to Faith Community Church.