Joyce Morris Karnazes

1940 - 2025

Joyce Morris Karnazes

Mount Pleasant - Joyce Morris Karnazes, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant to her church and community, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025.

Joyce was born on November 18, 1940, in Columbia, South Carolina, to Leroy and Hazel Morris. She attended Dreher High School, graduating in 1958.

She was married to the love of her life, George Karnazes, for 62 years. Together they built a life grounded in faith, family, and service to others. Joyce was a lifelong and devoted member of Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity and an active member of St. Irene's Philoptochos Society. She found deep joy in serving her church, particularly through helping with Greek festivals and lovingly preparing and delivering food to those in need.

Joyce was actively involved in her community. She was a member of the East Cooper Newcomers Organization for twenty years and a member of the Snee Farm Garden Club. Joyce was passionate about gardening and found great joy in nurturing plants and flowers. She was also a member of the Rose Society and the Orchid Society, reflecting her lifelong love of gardening.

Joyce was a wonderful cook, and her cherished "Yia Yia" dinners were legendary among family and friends. Those meals, filled with warmth, laughter, and love, will forever live on in our hearts.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Karnazes; her parents, Leroy and Hazel Morris; her sister, Lee Zobel; and her brother, Roy Morris.

She is survived by daughter, Katherine Karnazes Guest (Brandon) of Mount Pleasant, SC, son, Ernest George Karnazes also of Mount Pleasant, SC, five grandchildren, Sarah Nelson (Charlie), Leah Hughes (Claibourne), George Karnazes, Christopher Karnazes and Kate Karnazes; and one great-grandchild, Walker Hughes. She is survived by her sister, Dianne Parker (Phil). She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Her Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025 in the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, 30 Race Street, Charleston, SC, with a visitation starting at 12:00 noon, Trisagion beginning at 12:30 pm and the service commencing at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow in Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens, 1308 Mathis Ferry Rd.

Memorials may be made to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity.

Arrangements are by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel.

We invite you to share a memory and sign our guest book.