Joyce P. West

Joyce Lavern West, 82, entered into rest on September 6, 2025. Born on July 25, 1943, Joyce was born in Baxley, Georgia prior to moving to Warner Robins, where she was 1961 graduate of Warner Robins High School. During her youth, she was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, took piano lessons, and delighted in performing at recitals, which were early signs of the creativity and confidence that would define her life.

After high school, Joyce married and began a family, later pursuing her passion for beauty and style by attending cosmetology school. A gifted hair stylist, she worked at The Magic Brush until 1980, where she especially enjoyed styling hair for her beloved “older ladies”, always making them feel seen, pampered, and beautiful. Though she worked in various capacities throughout her life, Joyce was, at heart, a homemaker. After retiring from salon work, she poured her entrepreneurial spirit into founding Basket Blessings where she created custom gift baskets for realtors, weddings, bridal showers, and special occasions. Her attention to detail and personal touch made each one a work of art.

Joyce had a deep love for animals, especially her beloved dog, and spent her time doing the things that brought her joy: fishing with her husband, crocheting, solving crossword puzzles with unmatched skill, and watching scary movies. She loved traveling to the mountains, the beach, and Biloxi, always with a suitcase ready for her next adventure.

She was a proud and active member of Hope Church, where she served faithfully and ran the church food pantry, a mission that was close to her heart. Joyce had a servant’s heart and a fierce spirit. She was strong-willed, witty, intelligent, and never afraid to speak her mind. Though sassy and a bit vain, she’d proudly claim her “diva” title. She was also loving, kind-hearted, and deeply devoted to her family. She was the baby of three sisters, spoiled in the best way, and truly a “spitfire” making her unforgettable to all who knew her. Joyce’s children knew without a doubt that they were loved. When she spoke, which wasn’t often, it was with intention and meaning. Her beautiful soul left a lasting impact on everyone around her. Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jimmie West, parents, Luther and Blanche Fossett Patterson and sisters; Patricia Williams and Myrna Knowles.

Her memory will forever be treasured by her loving children; Kimberly K. Richardson (Steven W.) of Perry, James B. “Jay” Kelly of Americus and Kristin West Hovey (Jim Brown) of Lake Norman, North Carolina; grandchildren; Ashley Lynn Rouse, Ric E. Richardson, Alexandra Jayden Reynolds (Adam), Stratton “S.J.” James Kelly (Haley Wynn), Kinley Skyler Hovey (Karen Martinez), and Kenna-Faith Hovey (Gabriel Abraham Gray), great grandchildren, Russell “Phoenix” Reynolds and brother in law, Nolan Williams.

A graveside service celebrating Joyce’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in Magnolia Park Mausoleum and Chapel with visitation thirty minutes prior.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Joyce Lavern West to Breast Cancer Research at www.donate.cancer.org.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.