---- — COLUMBIA, Md. — Joy H. Arai, 85, of Suttons Bay, died Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 23, 2011, at Howard County General Hospital, Columbia, Md., of complications from pneumonia after several months of failing health.Born Dec. 7, 1925, in Belvidere, Ill., she was the daughter of the late Louis Stephen and Nettie (Erwin) Covey and stepdaughter of M. Bess Loy Covey. On June 18, 1955, she married Glenn T. Arai, who preceded her in death on Oct. 24, 1998.Joy was a longtime educator at Suttons Bay Schools and was best known for long tenure as a high school English and Spanish teacher, teaching at least two generations of students. She also served as a fourth grade teacher, principal and assistant principal.She enjoyed traveling and visited South America, Japan, Australia and Singapore. After retirement she spent winters either in Hawaii or Arizona.Joy was a voracious reader, especially fantasy and science fiction, historical fiction and mysteries. She also loved to work crossword puzzles in ink.She was known among close friends and family for her quick and often acerbic wit, her love affair with chocolate and her enjoyment of cocktail hour.She is survived by her two daughters, Thea (Andrew Grover) Arai, of Greenville, Pa., and Grace (Eric Lacey) Arai-Lacey, of Ellicott City, Md.; and seven grandchildren.Service arrangements will be announced. Cremation has taken place.In remembrance of Joy, memorials may be directed to the Leelanau Conservancy, 105 First Street, Leland, MI 49654-5000; the Suttons Bay Public Library, 416 N. Front Street, Suttons Bay, MI 49682-5114; or the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104.Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . Arrangements were made with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.