!["Joy" by Ayla Karr Joy [joi] noun; Gladness not based on circumstance. I know joy, I knew Joy. Mj (Mary Joy) illuminated...](https://img5.ngos1.com/477/028/122210291084770286.jpg)
06/21/2026
"Joy" by Ayla Karr
Joy [joi] noun; Gladness not based on circumstance. I know joy, I knew Joy. Mj (Mary Joy) illuminated the lives of those around her, while her physical presence returned to the Lord on May 20th, 2024, her light touched the hearts of many forever, including mine. On the day of the tragic accident that took the life of Mary Joy I was in the school hallway when I first heard the whispers of a car accident, quiet voices carried a weight I didn't yet understand. In the following days I don't remember much, It was as if time paused to honor her. I do however remember, I prayed constantly, I prayed for restoration of health, I prayed I would see her again, I prayed it would be a distant memory some day. Ultimately, my prayers were answered, just not how I wanted.
The way my God did answer my prayer however changed my outlook on life forever. As I navigate the new normal of my life I take to heart the verse Isaiah 57: 1 “Good people pass away, the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die.” I believe Mj was spared from the evil of this world, not because her life was unfinished, but because she had already lived fully, faithfully, and beautifully for God. As her mom Amber Moosman always says, “She was heaven's angel, we were just lucky enough to borrow her for a short time.”
Through the heartache and devastation Joy's life continues to teach me. She showed me that life is fragile, that dreams should be chased boldly, and that settling for less is never an option. She lived with passion, and her standard was perfection for its own sake, but purpose, to be God's vessel and to spread joy to others. Now I hold myself to the same standard. Her legacy has helped me to cherish every moment while becoming more aware of the impermanence life holds.
Although losing her left a mark on us all, MJ's joy did not leave with her. Her impact stretched far beyond her own circle, our entire community was touched. She reminded us that joy is not found in possessions or status but in people, in gratitude in treasuring the fleeting nature of life and the moments we are given.
As a cheerleader who had the privilege of competing with the beloved Mj I go into every practice with a new mindset, the standard is perfection. When I walk into practice I still feel her presence, not because we are perfect but because she taught us never to expect less than giving everything we had. She set the bar high, not with words but with the way she lived.
To know Joy was to love her and I knew Joy, I know joy. Because, joy is not dependent on circumstance. Joy is a gift that lingers, and despite the tragedy on May 20th I know joy. Joy is a feeling within, joy is in the color pink, joy is in ribbons and bows, joy is in tears shed late at night, joy is in cheerleading and friends, Joy is the spirit that binds us all together.
Ayla Karr is a graduate of Troup County High School Class of 2026 & the recipient of the MJM Foundation Cheer Scholarship
