Joy Roll

Joy Christina Roll April 28, 1982 – June 6, 2026

Joy Christina Roll, age 44, of Austin, Texas, passed away on June 6, 2026 after a four-year, hard-fought battle with a rare ovarian cancer. Joy was, in every sense, exactly what her name promised - a source of light and joy to everyone fortunate enough to know her. She is survived by her husband, her almost 12-year-old daughter, her parents, and her sister.

 

Joy grew up in Austin, Texas. She was an intelligent, intuitive, and resourceful soul who loved helping others. Her dad called her a “Super Helper”. So naturally, she acquired a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas in 2005, graduating with honors; and then she pursued and obtained a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio, graduating with highest honors in 2008. It is in San Antonio where she met the love of her life and husband, an adventurous red-headed Englishman. She always loved his red hair and the way he had a calming effect on her. She pursued him at first sight because she knew he was only passing through town working on the Tim McGraw and Faith Hill tour. The two of them clicked and continued to work very hard on maintaining a long-distance relationship as Leon traveled all over the world for his job. They dated all over the country; Joy traveling to wherever Leon was working at the time. Their hard work paid off, and five years later, they married in October of 2011, moving to DeKalb, Illinois, shortly thereafter. In 2014, they welcomed their only child and daughter, London, into the world. And even though they lived life in DeKalb, they took many trips to England, and explored Europe together as a family, also visiting family and friends in Austin at Thanksgiving and from time to time. She very much-loved God, her family, her friends, and her life. We are so thankful for her short, beautiful, and well lived life.

 

Joy lived with an open heart and a spirit that was always ready for the next adventure. Whether it was a trip somewhere new or whatever wild idea her husband, Leon, or daughter, London, dreamed up, Joy was in. She believed in saying yes, in showing up fully, and in the kind of love that makes life feel bigger. She is, and always will be, greatly missed by those who love her.

A funeral is to take place in Austin TX with details to follow.