Our Momma, Our Mammaw, Beloved Matriarch of our family, passed away in the early morning hours, January 22, 2026. She was 88 years old and of indelible spirit and strength.
Joy was the small business owner of TV Leasing INC. from 1968 until retiring in 1992, where she rented TV's to patients at St. Francis Hospital. Joy made many long standing friends during her time at St Francis, where she was affectionately known as the TV Lady.
One of her most important roles in life was being the Matriarch of the McQuagg compound, where she, her two sons, and their families have resided and hosted numerous gatherings for the last 38 years. She enjoyed tending to grandchildren, entertaining great grandchildren and just being a friend to everyone she met. Over the years, many new friends and family members have been added to the mix.
Joy was born in Columbus, Ga., November 18, 1937, as the first of four children, to the late Curtis Edwin Baggett and the late Willie Matilda (Peggy) Lee Baggett. Joy was married to Our Daddy, Our Pawpaw and Our best fishing buddy, Samuel David McQuagg Sr, on New Year's Eve 1954.
Together they had many adventures. During the 1960's, they traveled the NASCAR circuit during Daddy's career as a driver. During that time, they discovered their love for motorhomes. After retiring in 1997, they purchased their first American Eagle Motorhome amassing more than a half million miles of travel, over 12 years, that lasted till Daddy's passing in 2009. They made so many friends during that time, many of which were still checking on Momma during her recent illness.
We can't stop here without mentioning their favorite "go to" place. The Hoochie House in Apalachicola. Their favorite fishing spot for over 30 years where Momma regularly out fished Daddy in their quest for Redfish, Speckled Trout and Flounder. No matter where they were, Momma's heart was always here on the McQuagg Compound. Their lives were well lived and now together again for all eternity.
Mammaw is survived by her sons, Sam D. McQuagg Jr (Lucy) and Mark S. McQuagg (Debra) of Midland, Ga. She is survived by her four grandchildren, Holly M Wemmer (Andy) of Pine Mountain Valley, Samantha L Scott (Lyle) of Buena Vista, Haley C Jimmerson (Robert) of Hamilton and (Samuel D, III) Trip McQuagg of Charlotte NC.
Mammaw is survived by her "love you the most" five great grandchildren, Haidyn Jimmerson, Shelby Jimmerson, Ellie Scott, Link Scott, and Cambrie Wemmer
She is also survived by a sister, Cheryl B Ford of Columbus and a brother William S (Bill) Baggett of Charlotte, NC. She was preceded in death by her brother, Donald L Baggett and her husband, Samuel D. "Sam" McQuagg, Sr.
Joy was much loved by and an active member of Pierce Chapel Methodist Church for nearly 40 years, devoting time, energy and caring to her Church Family. She has left a lasting legacy and will be missed by all. "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God"
Funeral service will be held 1:30 PM Tuesday January 27th at Pierce Chapel Methodist Church, 5122 Pierce Chapel Rd., Midland GA, 31820 with Rev. Jerry Akin officiating. A reception will be held immediately following the services at the church. A private family interment will be held in Parkhill Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3874 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, GA 31907

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more