Joy Storms Grady

Joy Storms Grady, 67, of White Lake, NC, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 7, 1957, to Elma Grey and Howard Storms, Joy was raised by her adoring parents and grandparents in Bladenboro, NC. In 1980, she married Gary Grady, and together they shared nearly 45 years of love, joy, and cherished memories.

Joy’s life was marked by her passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. She had a remarkable gift for creating beauty, which shone through in the spaces she transformed and the events she orchestrated. Whether it was planning elaborate birthday parties for her children and grandchildren or celebrating milestones, Joy’s love was always at the heart of every gathering.

A proud graduate of Wake Forest University, Joy earned her bachelor’s degree in business management in 1980. The lifelong friendships she made during her time there continued to flourish, with the “Wake Forest Girls” maintaining a close bond through regular reunions, the most recent of which took place in Spring 2025. Joy also generously donated her remains to the Wake Forest University School of Medicine to support medical education and research.

Professionally, Joy dedicated over 30 years to community-based non-profit management. She was a skilled grant writer and led impactful initiatives, including her work with Wilmington Health Access for Teens (WHAT) and Bladen HealthWatch. In 1997, she was selected for the prestigious Healthier Communities Fellowship program, an honor given to just 55 leaders from across the nation. She later concluded her career at Bladen Community College.

Joy is survived by her devoted husband, Gary Grady; her beloved daughters, Ann-Marie Parker (husband John) of Kitty Hawk, NC, and Ryan Elizabeth Grady of Raleigh, NC; her two grandchildren, Maggie Grey and Jack Parker; and her grand-pup Lulu. She is also survived by her sister, Amelia Hopkins (husband Barry) of Greensboro, NC, who was a constant source of support throughout her journey, as well as many other cherished family members and friends.

A proud representative of Bladen County, Joy was crowned Miss Bladen County in 1979 and competed in the Miss North Carolina pageant. She and Gary continued to make Bladen County their home throughout their lives, where they were embraced by a loving and supportive community.

For the past two years, Joy fought courageously against cancer, and her family expresses deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this time from her family, friends, and church community. Special thanks are extended to Amelia Hopkins, Jane Grady, Paula Greene, and Mary Holmes for their selfless care and companionship during her treatment.

A memorial service celebrating Joy’s life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Elizabethtown Baptist Church, 1800 West Broad St, Elizabethtown, NC. Visitation/reception will take place in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service. Guests are encouraged to wear bright, colorful attire in honor of Joy’s vibrant spirit.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Grace UMC Building Fund, Bladen Community College, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, or Elizabethtown Baptist Church.

Joy will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, beauty, and service will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.