Arleen “Joy” Robertson, wife of Covenant pastor Joseph Robertson, passed away on July 8, 2024, in Turlock, California. She was 67.
Arleen “Joy” Miraflor Robertson was born May 22, 1957, in Merced, California, to her Filipino father Bing and Hawaiian mother Lydia Miraflor. Joy was raised in Stockton, California, the seventh child in a family of ten. From an early age, she served Jesus and had a heart for people, especially the marginalized and downtrodden. She dreamed of being a missionary. She taught second grade at Northview Christian School in Turlock. In 2000, Joy fulfilled another dream of becoming a nurse, specializing in serving families with medically fragile children.
Joy met Joseph Robertson at youth camp, and they married on March 7, 1981. They shared a life of service, adventure, sacrifice, generosity, ministry, and love. Together they had five children: Shari, Kristy, Joseph, Tiffany, and Harmony.
Joseph serves as pastor at New Hope Covenant Church in Turlock, California. Joy served the congregation in many capacities, including as director of nursery and hospitality, making sure everyone had a place to sit and felt warmly welcomed. She was the chief shopper of shoes for Kicks for Kids and Hope in the Hood. She served with HOPE Food Ministry, Turlock Gospel Mission, and on the Women’s Ministry Council. She also served as a marriage counselor, advisor, and mentor and as a chaplain with the Turlock Police Department. Wherever people were hurting, wounded, suffering, and poor you would find Joy.
Joy passed away after battling colon cancer for more than five years. She was a beloved wife, mother, Lola, chaplain, pastor’s wife, friend, and Harley Davidson enthusiast. She deeply loved her family, friends, church community, and every person she met.
Joy is survived by her beloved husband, Joseph; her children, Shari (Schussel), Kristy (Johnson), Joseph, Tiffany (Wallace), and Harmony; seven grandchildren, six siblings, and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life was held at Hope Church of Turlock on July 21, 2024.
Peace be to her memory.
