We were blessed with the birth of Joy at Moody Air Force Base on December 29, 1963. Her loss is overwhelming, her fight against cancer was valiant, and her mark on the world was great. Known for her infectious smile and goodwill toward everyone, Joy was loved by many. She made Valdosta a happier place simply by being here—she was our “Joy.”

Joy loved to travel with her best friend and life partner, Jeff Cooper. She began traveling early in life, riding the Alcan Highway to Anchorage, Alaska, before moving to Lake City, Florida, for a year. She then returned to Valdosta, where she attended Lake Park Elementary School and graduated from Lowndes High School in 1981. While in high school, she was a dedicated member of the renowned Viking Band, playing clarinet and percussion and participating in color guard. She was also a member of the tennis team.

Honing her skating skills from the ice in Alaska to the skating rinks of Valdosta, there was no direction she couldn’t skate.

After graduating from North Florida Junior College, Joy became a licensed dental hygienist and oral surgery assistant. She was also a wonderful mother and friend. She later graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. Professionally, Joy may be best known for her work as an associate broker with Cooper Real Estate, where she worked from 1998 until her death.

Joy is survived by her mother, Mae Dees; her children, Grant (Rose) Herring and Jesslyn (Brice) Dazey; her grandchildren, Liam and Gray Dazey; her siblings, Melody Hall and Scott (Tricia) Hall; her niece, Maegan Hall; and her nephew, Richmond Hall. Joy’s father, Jesse L. Hall, passed away in 2007.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Hall Cemetery, with Mr. John Klimko and Rev. Jamie Bone officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hospice of South Georgia, 2263 Pineview Drive, Valdosta, GA 31602.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanecares.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home