Joy Waters Wilkinson

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Joy Waters Wilkinson, a beautiful soul who brought light, laughter, and love to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She left us far too soon, but in her short time here, she touched more lives than most do in a lifetime. Joy passed away Sunday, July 6, 2025 at the age of 40.

Joy was born February 12, 1985 in Douglas, Georgia. She had a rare gift— the kind of spirit that lit up every room and made everyone feel seen, heard, and loved. Her smile was contagious, her laughter unforgettable, and her kindness endless. She was the friend you could count on, the shoulder you could cry on, and the “JOY” you didn’t know you needed. To her family and friends, Joy was someone who always showed up—with a listening ear, a kind word, or a much-needed laugh. To know Joy was to love her. She had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world, and she carried that magic with grace, humor, and humility. Whether you knew her for years or met her once, she left a lasting impression.

Joy was a devoted and loving mother and wife. Being a mom was her proudest role. She poured her heart into raising her children, and her love, patience, and strength were nothing short of inspiring. Her family was her world, and she made sure they felt it in every hug, every smile, every moment.

Joy graduated from Tattnall County High School in 2003. She was the salutatorian and Senior Class President. She also served her school and peers as Fellowship of Christian Athletes President. She was a Homecoming Princess, Miss TCHS 2003, “Most Likely to be a Billionaire” senior superlative, a TCHS Diamond Girl, and cheerleading captain. Joy went on to attend the University of Georgia and received her Bachelor of Science degree. She was a member of the UGA Chapter of Phi Mu Sorority. She was an enterprising, hard-working and technically skilled professional known for accuracy, attention to detail and timeliness in managing disbursement functions for diverse industries. She was an assistant vice president at the Heritage Bank of the South, formerly The Tattnall Bank in Reidsville and was a licensed resident insurance agent. 

Joy was a member of Loves Chapel Primitive Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her brother, James “Jim” Waters, maternal grandparents, Raymond & Yvonne Moore, and paternal grandfather, James Eustis Waters.

Survivors include her husband, Scott Wilkinson of Surrency; daughters, Harper Elizabeth Wilkinson and Taylor Grace Wilkinson both of Surrency; sons, Aiden James Wilkinson and Cameron Scott Wilkinson both of Surrency; mother, Sonya Moore Waters of Baxley; father, Glen Andrew Waters of Baxley; brother, Joseph Leavy Waters of Baxley; grandmother, Margaret “Granny Mar” Waters; and a special cousin, Teresa Anderson. Several aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends and loved ones whose lives were made better by knowing her. Though her absence is immeasurable, so too is the love she leaves behind.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. from the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home with Rev. David Barber and Denver Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in Omega Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Brandon Johnson, Matthew Stubbs, Demetres Williams, Chris Stone, Curtis Dyess, Chandler Martin, and Richie Pazderski.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 11, 2025 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Swain Funeral Home.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.