May 4, 1948 – October 2, 2021
The story of Joy Gulmon-Huri began May 4th, 1948. She left us too soon, but her story continues to be written by those lives she uniquely touched.
Born to Willfred Gulmon and Edith (Carpenter) Gulmon, her childhood in Montana shaped her love for animals, especially horses and riding through the Montana fields. Joy loved all four-legged animals and if possible, she would have brought them all home to be part of her family.
Joy had a way of making everyone feel as if they were part of her family, most especially the students she served while working at Seattle Central College. A student herself of the college in 1966, she later became a full-time employee and worked there for 45 years. Her impact reached across departments from Math & Science to Public Information & Foundation Office, and finally, the Seattle Culinary Academy. She knew everyone and was a friend to all. She wasn’t the President, but if a college ever had a Mayor, it would have been Joy.
She had a reputation among students as the force who could overcome any obstacle. Quite simply, Joy would drop everything when a student knocked and would work her magic to find a path. Her mission – assure all students had the chance to achieve their potential. Joy never sought recognition, but her dedication to student success was so exemplary that Seattle Central College created the Power of Education award in her honor. She was the first to receive this award which acknowledges an individual whose lifetime of service changed lives and impacted families across future generations.
Joy’s student advocacy was also recognized by international non-profit, Les Dames d’Escoffier (LDE) which successfully initiated the Joy Gulmon-Huri Endowed Scholarship. LDE’s mission to support aspiring culinarians aligned with Joy’s values. She would not only volunteer for over two decades, but also serve as President.
Joy will be remembered for her many accomplishments, but mostly her warmth, eager smile, and ability to make others laugh with her unique and ready-to-rip humor.
Loving wife, daughter, sister, grandma, auntie, and friend, Joy passed surrounded by love of family, including her beloved Shiba Inu, Mariko, dearest friend, Lina Tjok, and surrogate father, Thomas Rodrique. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Ed Huri; sister, Gail Stiers; brother, Roger Gulmon; family, Ian & Therese Huri (Maddie and Andrew); Kim & Bruce Fyfe (Claire and Jake); She was predeceased by her parents.
Joy’s light will continue to shine, and her work immortalized through the Joy Gulmon-Huri Endowed Scholarship. Please go to https://foundation.seattlecolleges.edu/givenow; select “Other” in the Designation drop down menu and then in the “notes” box write Joy Gulmon-Huri Endowed Scholarship.
