Comellia Joy Bunch Teague

Comellia Joy Wharton was born in Quanah, Texas to parents Winnie Pearl Hunter and John Franklin Wharton and delivered by her grandmother on June 11, 1935. John, a Baptist preacher, often moved the family to start new congregations, so Comellia — or Joy as she became known in adulthood — and her siblings grew up in many places. As the eldest daughter, Joy learned homemaking skills early and helped care for her siblings Donald, Verlin, Barbara, and Elena. From a young age, Joy was cooking for a crowd — and kept doing so all her life. The family eventually settled in Waxahachie, where Joy graduated early from high school in 1952. While in school, Joy met Richard Edwin "Eddie" Bunch and it was love at first sight, to hear Joy tell it! The pair married at just 17 and 22 years old in 1953. The couple welcomed their three sons Clinton in 1955, Ronald in 1958, and Brian in 1965. The family lived in south Oak Cliff for many years before moving to a family farm in Waxahachie in 1977. The family later sold the farm and built one of the first houses in Spring Creek, where Joy remained until her passing.

After graduating from secretarial school, Joy began her career as a secretary in Dallas. Later and while also raising a young family, Joy found success in Mary Kay Cosmetics, quickly rising through the ranks to become one of the company's first Directors. She was often seen sporting a dress suit or briefcase, always with her makeup done, and driving a Cadillac - all in the signature Mary Kay pink. She drove many pink Cadillacs over the years and was proud to be known as a Mary Kay lady. Joy was also a talented artist across various mediums, predominantly oil and china painting. She had a particular affinity for Western and Native American history and artistry, and some of her best works include landscapes and jewelry of this style. She painted everything from landscapes to portraits to still life, and her artwork adorns many walls in homes of her family and friends. Joy was also a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Waxahachie where she met many lifelong friends.

In 1986, Joy and Eddie built a traditional log cabin in the San Juan mountains near Durango, Colorado. This vacation home became an anchor for the entire family, and they loved to host family and friends on Colorado trips. After Eddie's passing in 1991, Joy remained active through grief, traveling the world with girlfriends, participating in many church activities, and — most importantly - serving as the matriarch for her growing family. To all her grandchildren, Joy was a loving "Mamaw" hosting endless Easter egg hunts, birthday and graduation parties, Christmas feasts, and sleepovers for her many grandchildren.

In 1994, Joy married James "Jim" Elliott and the two remained married until Jim's passing in October 2008. Joy was a faithful caretaker for both Eddie and Jim through many years of health battles. In Eugene "Sonny" Teague, Joy again found a great love and life partner. The two were married on September 1, 2017 and spent eight happy years together taking road trips, hosting dinner parties, playing 42, and enjoying family time. Sonny was a faithful caregiver and loving companion to Joy every day of their lives together. After 90 full years of life, Joy was welcomed home by her Savior on November 29, 2025.

Joy will be remembered for her devotion to her family, artistry and paintings, dry humor, quick tongue, great storytelling, and no-nonsense attitude. She loved her family deeply, and she will be greatly missed as their matriarch.

Joy is survived by her sons Clinton & Belinda Bunch, Ronnie & Sherrie Bunch, and Brian Bunch; her husband Sonny; her younger sister Elena Taylor; and many, many grandchildren, nieces and nephews and great-grandchildren. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to make a donation to either The Alzheimer's Association or The Ellis County Art Association in her name.