Jehovah’s Witnesses gather for Glasshouse Mountains car crash victim

The Beerwah Jehovah’s Witnesses have paid tribute to a woman killed when a tree fell on a car in the Glasshouse Mountains and acknowledged the grief of multiple families.

Darryl, Tennille and Joy Charlton.

Hundreds have gathered to pay tribute to a woman killed in a tragic car crash in the Glasshouse Mountains.

Joy Charlton, 80, was travelling with Jasmyne Lloyd, 20, on Old Gympie Rd on December 31 when a tree fell on their Volkswagen.

The women died at the scene.

Joy, a dedicated Jehovah’s Witness, was out “witnessing” with Ms Lloyd when they died.

Cars lined a usually quiet Burys Rd in Beerwah as members of the faith and other residents gathered for the memorial at the town’s Kingdom Hall.

About 200 people gathered at the Beerwah Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses to pay tribute to dedicated member, Joy Charlton, who died when a tree fell on a car she was travelling in.

Jehovah’s Witnesses also travelled from other regions to hear the service, with Joy and her husband, Darryl dedicated members for many years and in different congregations.

About 200 people listened in person to the memorial delivered by Mick Hathaway and more watched the service online.

The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses at Beerwah.

The congregation was told about Joy’s enjoyment of books, art and travel and her great love for her family.

She was married to Darryl for nearly 57 years and the couple had one child, Tennille Charlton.

Mr Hathaway said “their love never wavered, weakened or waned” when describing the couple’s love for their daughter.

“I know they loved you very, very much and you loved them,” he said.

Darryl, Tennille and Joy Charlton.

Tennille gave an emotional tribute to her mum ahead of the memorial, describing her as “Joy by name and joy by nature” and a joker and supportive person.

Mr Hathaway acknowledged Tennille’s supportive friends who travelled from Brisbane and Darwin, plus the Beerwah Jehovah’s Witnesses who supplied meals and cleaned for the grieving daughter.

He also acknowledged that multiple families of the small congregation were grieving following the tragedy.

Another Beerwah Jehovah’s Witness said outside the whole group was affected by the accident and it had touched all generations.

The 80-year-old was baptised in 1952 and was just shy of 70 years in the faith.

The service finished with a slideshow of photographs of Joy, showing her early life, her marriage and her family and friends.

Originally published as Jehovah’s Witnesses gather for Glasshouse Mountains car crash victim