Joy Hayes, 79, passed away in Sumterville, Florida on January 12, 2026.
She was born in Homerville, Georgia on January 11, 1947 to B.G. and Anita James. Joy was a Christian and a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. She was bubbly, happy, classy, bossy, proper, but could have a good time. She was the owner of Joy Hayes Court Reporting until 2010, when her daughter took over.
She enjoyed traveling, boating, cruising, family gatherings, entertaining, gifting, and cooking. Most of all, she loved her family.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years: Arthur Hayes of Bushnell, Florida; daughters: Renee Hayes of Bushnell, Florida and Bridget Hayes (Kenny Green) of Bushnell, Florida; grandchildren: Carley LaDow, Nita Booher, and Broc Booher; step grandchildren: Korrina Green and Stephen Green (Kayla); sister: Judy Hypes of Leesburg, Florida.
She is preceded in death by her parents, B.G. and Anita James and her sister, Jane Williams.
A visitation will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery on January 15, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with a graveside service to follow after at 12:00 p.m.
In Lieu of flowers, please donate to https://www.cancer.org/ (American Cancer Society) or https://cornerstonehospice.org/support-services/hospice-houses/the-lane-purcell-house-sumterville/ (Lane Purcell Hospice House). Condolences may be sent to the family Arrangements have been entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home- Purcell Chapel, Bushnell, Florida.