Joy Ann Mechling

Joy Ann Mechling passed away on January 15, 2026. She was born in Sparta, Wisconsin, the daughter of the Reverend Paul B. Campbell and Elma Ruth Campbell.

Joy earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Maranatha Baptist University. She devoted more than 15 years of her life to teaching. Much of her teaching career was spent at Grace Christian School in West Columbia, South Carolina, where she was known for her love of Winnie the Pooh and her puppet shows.

Joy was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Janice Jones; and her beloved husband, Randy. She is survived by her two daughters and her sons-in-law, Melanie and Mike Knakal and Marla and T. J. Moore, as well as her nine grandchildren, Collin, Mercy, Kate, Isaiah, Justus, Wesley, Haven, Ember, and Shiloh, who knew and loved her as “Grandma Joy.” She loved her grandkids and found great joy in being their grandmother.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Baptist Church in West Columbia, South Carolina, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23. Visitation will take place at the church one hour before the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m.