By Paulette Layfield
Joy Leach began working at THE BIG STORE 11 years ago and quickly became a beloved member of the staff. She was a constant source of support, always willing to help anyone anytime and known for her trademark calm, easy-going, friendly demeanor. Joy also possessed a great, dry sense of humor. The Big Store’s Joan Shepherd stated, “She was like a sister. Customers were always getting us mixed up because we look so much alike.” Joy finally called it quits, and “retired” when she and husband Frank decided to purchase a condo in Houston. Now, instead of a front-row view of the Gulf of Mexico, they enjoy a stunning 13th floor view of downtown Houston.

Frank and Joy Leach

The Leaches are co-directors of the Vernon Shelter Workshop (VSW), a 501(c)(3), non-profit in Leesville, Louisiana and have been involved in its operation since 1980. VSW has training and employment for individuals with disabilities. It has provided years of opportunities for so many. Frank and Joy continuously embraced the idea that every person has a unique skill set that enables them to be successful. Their credo is, “When you look at the variety of work, and the scope of work we have performed, one has to be struck by the fact that this is what individuals with disabilities can accomplish when given opportunity. We operate on the premise that we can accomplish any task if we match the disability of the individual to the proper tasks, and blend disabilities. A physically impaired individual can contribute cognitive ability, and a cognitively impaired individual can contribute mobility. A recovering substance abuser can provide analysis to problem solving, and a schizophrenic can provide creative solutions. Our job is to provide opportunities to succeed.”

Joy’s last day working at The Big Store

Frank and Joy finally took a vacation in 1995. They grabbed their tent, loaded their car and headed to the Florida Keys. The two realized they loved “living” on the water so they headed back west and landed on Bolivar Peninsula. Their first camping spot was at High Island “Curve”. They continued to tent-camp all the way to Padre Island. Then the Leaches met up with friends in LaMarque. One was a carpenter and started renting beach houses with them. After a while, they realized they wanted to own a house. Their carpenter friend brought them to see Morningstar, a pre-IKE home on the beachfront lot where Frank and Joy now live. They purchased it, rebuilt after IKE, and have been there ever since. Frank considers every day, “Just another day in paradise”. We admit that we are not joyful in losing this fine couple to Houston, but we wish all happiness for Frank and FOR JOY!

Joy is a HUGE New Orleans Saints fan

This was the only thing recovered from their pre-Ike home.
Frank and Joy truly believe in living the good life

They have three children, I mean cats, JoJo, MoMo, and MaeMae

[Oct-4-2022]