Joy Anderson Harper

Joy Harper

Joy Anderson Harper, 89, of Jekyll Island, passed away peacefully on Nov. 3, 2025, at Hospice of the Golden Isles.

Joy was born on Sept. 11, 1936, to Russell and Alma Anderson of Fitzgerald, and raised on the family farm. Joy will be remembered for her warmth, generosity and hospitality for her family and friends. Each morning, Joy could be found walking along the beach. Her up to 5-mile walks were a daily ritual she tried so hard not to miss, even during unpleasant weather. Joy was also known for her exceptional cooking and her open-door hospitality. Her home was a gathering place filled with laughter and delicious food.

When not at home on Jekyll Island, Joy and husband Elmer Harper could be found taking care of the family farm in Irwin County. She enjoyed 67 years of marriage to her beloved Elmer, and together they built a life grounded in love, hard work and partnership. They founded their own company, Harper Specialty Co. in Brunswick, which they owned for 20 years before retiring to other ventures. Among their other things, they acquired and developed the old Brunswick hospital at Norwich and First Streets into residential use under the name Harper's Joy. The two shared a bond that endured through every season of their lives.

Joy is survived by her granddaughter, Shelby Thomas Hehir, of St. Petersburg, Florida, and brother, Robert "Bobby" Anderson of Arlington, Texas; as well as nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Elmer; and her two children, Sheila Harper Thomas and Kevin Lee Harper; as well as her older brother, the Rev. Archie Maurice Anderson of Lake Park.

A private service will be held in her honor and memory in Brunswick.

Family-placed obituary

The Brunswick News, November 8, 2025