Baylor Family celebrates the life of Judge Joy Reynolds throughout Labor Day weekend
In July, we mourned the loss of Judge Joy Reynolds, one of our beloved live bears. Her passing was felt across the entire Baylor community and beyond, prompting literally thousands of comments, reactions and memories on social media.
Joy’s 21 years of life were spent cheering on Baylor and educating our community on conservation and wildlife safety. She served as a remarkable ambassador and true symbol of the Baylor spirit, and for that reason, this past weekend was dedicated to her time with us.
Throughout the weekend, an interactive memorial at the Bill & Eva Willams Bear Habitat celebrated Joy’s life.
Take a virtual walk through the #RememberingJoy 🐻 display at the @BUBearHabitat:
(sound on for full effect) pic.twitter.com/ymA2tvrZjZ
— Baylor University (@Baylor) September 2, 2022
On Saturday morning, a private ceremony was held for current and former habitat caregivers to honor their time and the life of Joy. Afterwards, the entire Baylor Family was encouraged to help paint a mural of Joy and continue experiencing the interactive memorial at the Habitat.
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In the afternoon, attention turned to Baylor football’s home opener, where our beloved bear was celebrated throughout the game. A special “Joy” flag was made to cross the field during touchdowns. Football players, the Golden Wave Band, and Spirit Squads wore commemorative stickers on their uniforms. And students were gifted pennant flags to cherish for years to come.
Joy’s ashes were on display during tailgating before the game, and habitat caregivers were acknowledged during the game for their dedication and stewardship to the Baylor University Bear Program.
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Though our hearts hurt from Joy’s passing, we are so grateful we can remember her sweet spirit together. It was truly the most Joyful start to the season, which would be exactly how she would have wanted it.
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Sic ’em, always and forever, Judge Joy!
[BONUS: Listen to Dakota Farquhar-Caddell (BBA ’11), who oversees the Bears, reflect on Joy’s life.]
