THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 23, 1994 TAG: 9410210326
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
MOST DAYS, Joy R. Cooley is running around Holmes Ltd. trying to help women get that perfect dress for a special occasion.
And most of the time, that means Cooley, who manages the store, is going to have a busy day.
Besides selling clothes, Cooley also does the bookwork and, when needed, she makes minor repairs at the shop.
And Monday, after serving the downtown area of Suffolk for almost 50 years, a second Holmes store will open, at 1403A North Main St., in the Suffolk Shopping Center, Cooley says. The downtown store is scheduled to close after the first of the year, she added.
Besides managing a ladies' apparel shop, Cooley is also busy dressing the needy.
When she isn't trying to sell dresses at Holmes Ltd., Cooley is busy lending a hand through her sorority, Xi Delta Delta. This year, the group plans to provide Christmas baskets for needy people, and they're dressing 15 dolls that will be given to the Salvation Army to hand out as Christmas gifts.
Cooley, 41, said the group is also working with the Genieve Shelter to provide gifts for children to give their battered mothers.
``It's something that the mother can have from her children at Christmas time,'' she said.
Name: Joyce R. Cooley
What brought you to Suffolk? I found a house in Suffolk.
Hometown: Shenandoah, Va.
Birthdate: April 9, 1953
Nickname: Joy
Occupation: Sales manager
Marital status: Married
Children: David, 17; Chris, 18; and Heather, 20
Favorite movies: ``Steel Magnolias,'' ``Fried Green Tomatoes''
Favorite magazine: Southern Living
A book you wish everyone would read: ``See Spot Run.'' That was the beginning of imagination.
Favorite night out on the town: Dinner and dancing.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Scale O' De Whale.
Favorite food and drink: Diet Pepsi and steak.
Few people know . . . that I still cry over ``Lassie.''
What's the best thing about yourself? I'm easy to get along with.
Worst habit: Smoking
First thing in the morning: Turn on ``Good Morning America.''
Pets: A cat named Dinky.
Hobbies: Working in the yard, gardening and crafts.
Ideal vacation: A trip to Hawaii.
Pet peeve: People who have to be told what to do, when something needs to be done.
First job: A clerk at Revco.
Worst job: Doing dishes
Of what achievements are you most proud? My family.
What would you like on your epitaph? Don't plan to have one. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
KEYWORDS: INTERVIEW PROFILE
by CNB