Joyce T. Salter

On June 12, 1927, Mary Joyce Thompson was born in Swainsboro, Georgia to Leon and Sarah Thompson. She grew up on the family farm in Swainsboro with her 10 brothers and sisters, where her beloved mother taught her how to selflessly care for those around her. She had fond memories of her childhood and often shared stories about life on the farm – a favorite being about the goat buggy races.

She married Avery W. Salter on March 12, 1949, and they settled in Waynesboro. Avery and Joyce raised their 5 children there and became pillars of the community. Mama Joyce - as she was affectionately known to those close to her- was a devoted wife and mother. She truly had a servant’s heart. She and Avery were married for 58 years when he passed away. Not a day went by that she didn’t miss him, but they instilled respect and devotion in their children that continued Pa’s legacy, and they took care of Mama Joyce just as he would have.

Her time spent helping on the farm while she was growing up was enough time outside for her, and she preferred to spend her adult life in the kitchen. She made everyone around her feel like family and her door was always open. She was known for her stew, cakes, banana pudding, roast and gravy, and chicken wings – everyone that knew her, knew her cooking. She believed there was nothing a good meal couldn’t fix, and most of the time she was right. Although she never earned a traditional paycheck, her devotion at home allowed those she loved to succeed however they wanted. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren, but she was especially blessed by her daughters-in-law who tirelessly cared for her, especially at the end of her life.

Everyone that knew her is a better person from being loved by her. She is survived by her children - Ted and Tammie, Phil and Shirley, Jerry and Ann, Greg and Debbie, and Beth and Sam Fouche, her grandchildren and great grandchildren – Kimberly, Justin, Colt and Avery Dixon, Kristen, Tinley and Tucker Laidig, Thomas Kelly, Sarah-Ann Kelly, Jeremy, Lauren, Charlotte, and Grayson Akins, Tara, John, Annie and Olivia Hurst, Samantha, Patrick, Ellie Joyce, and Wells Rodgers, and Noah, Chloé, Payson, and baby boy Fouche due later this month, and her nephew Jimmy Craig and Dr. Johnny Christian both of whom she regarded as sons. There was never any doubt that she loved her children, but her love for her grandchildren and great grandchildren kept her going. She looked forward to their daily visits and loved to spoil each of them.

You very rarely heard her preaching, but Mama Joyce shared the Good News in everything she did while on this Earth. She truly walked with Jesus faithfully everyday, and she waited patiently for Him to call her home. She was welcomed into heaven while surrounded by her family.

Please join us for visitation at Deloach McKerley-Prescott Funeral Home on Friday, September 5 from 5-7. A memorial service in her honor will be held on Saturday, September 6 at 10:00 am in the chapel of the funeral home. Burial will follow at the family cemetery at 824 Porter Carswell Road, Waynesboro.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons.

The family would like to thank Christine Walker, Christine Crawford and Mary Turner for their care and friendship the past several years. Also, Jill Posey and Leigh Alexander for the care they so graciously provided during Joyce’s extended hospice stay.

If so desired, donations may be made to the EBA Building Fund or Rosemont Baptist Church Vision Fund.

DeLoach-McKerley-Prescott Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 220 East 6th Street, Waynesboro, GA 30830 (706-554-3531). You may sign the guest book at www.deloachfuneralhomes.com.