Joy Ann Gaines

Ms. Joy Ann Gaines, passed away Friday, January 31, 2025 at the age of 68 of a sudden illness. 

She was born in Elbert County, February 11, 1956 and was the daughter of the late Claude Ralph Gaines, Jr. and the late Mary Ann Hester Gaines.

Joy grew up in Dahlonega, GA and attended Lumpkin County Schools. She was the valedictorian of the 1974 graduating class at Lumpkin County High School. She received both her bachelors and masters degrees in Elementary Education at North Georgia College and taught kindergarten several years in the Lumpkin County Schools. She returned to Elbert County in the mid eighties and was a homemaker at the family farm.

Joy was a very talented pianist and in her early years assisted in playing at her church Coldwater Methodist. She enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her sisters and brothers-in-law: Carol and Steven Maxwell of Dewy Rose and Lori and Joe Cronan of Dahlonega and by nieces: Anna Cronan of Dahlonega and Kelly Cronan of Dahlonega.

Private funeral services to celebrate Joy’s life will be held Tuesday, February 4, in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with Rev. Thomas Moon officiating. Interment will follow in Coldwater Methodist Church Cemetery. 

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com. 

Contributions may be made in memory of Joy to Coldwater Methodist Church for the Cemetery Fund: address to Coldwater Methodist Church, c/o Lynn Pittman, 1753 Coldwater Rd, Elberton, GA, 30635.

Berry Funeral Home and Crematory of Elberton is in charge of the funeral arrangements for Ms. Joy Ann Gaines.