Joy Rae Renner ZumMallen passed away into the arms of Jesus on the evening of March 11, 2026, at the age of 88. The only child of Oscar and Ruby Renner, Joy Rae was born on April 6, 1937, in El Reno, Oklahoma.

While attending Oklahoma State University, Joy Rae was a member of Chi Omega social sorority, where she held leading roles in numerous service projects and formed lifelong friendships; she remained active in local chapters of Chi Omega throughout her life. She was also a member of Mortar Board, co-chair for Religious Emphasis week, and queen of the College of Business. After graduating in 1959, Joy Rae spent five years as a beloved teacher at Edison High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

On June 16, 1962, Joy Rae married Norvin Eldon ZumMallen at Trinity Lutheran Church in El Reno. The couple welcomed two children, Todd and Stacy, to whom Joy Rae was a loving mother. In 1970, the family moved to Dallas, Texas, and joined Messiah Lutheran Church, where she worked in the Sunday School office and remained an active member for the rest of her life. The couple nurtured relationships with fellow church members through a bridge club, which the ZumMallens often hosted at their home.

After moving to Dallas, Joy Rae used her business education to start her own jewelry business, J'oRo, through which she served generations of friends and customers for nearly fifty years. Between work and fellowship with family and church friends, Joy Rae and Norvin cultivated a passion for travel, vacationing around the world both as a couple and with friends and family.

God blessed Joy Rae with the gift of hospitality. She delighted in welcoming others not only into her home but in every conversation, treating everyone she met as though they were the most important person in the room.

Joy Rae will be missed by Norvin, her husband of over 63 years; son Todd ZumMallen and his wife Tammy; daughter Stacy ZumMallen; four grandchildren—Koby Griggs, Kennedy ZumMallen, Cassidy ZumMallen, and Kory Griggs; and countless devoted friends. Her loved ones grieve her passing but rejoice in anticipation of reunion in heaven.

Services will be held on at 10:30am on Saturday, March 21, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Plano, Texas.