UNDATED — Joyce Middleton West, 89, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Born in Camden County in 1936, Mrs. West had a striking smile that lit up every room she entered. Her vivacity and inf ectious warmth touched everyone around her — whether through her extraordinary gift at the piano or her unforgettable love for others.
Mrs. West’s love of music began at an early age. At just five years old, she sat at the church piano for the very first time. From that moment on, she played with a distinct flair which became her signature, filling countless church services, weddings, and celebrations with music that stirred the soul and lifted hearts.
Her grandchildren, to whom she was known as “Granny Darlin,” spent most weekends splashing in her pool, while she kept watch from the kitchen window, smiling at the sounds of laughter drifting through the air. One way of showing her love was through cooking her grandchildren’s favorite dishes like her “melt-inyour mouth” biscuits, fried corn bread, and pot roast and gravy. Her pound cake and fudge candy were also a favorite of everyone.
Mrs. West was a force of nature, known for her fireengine red lipstick, her joyful spirit, and the way she could be spotted flying down the road in her black Escalade with her little white dog riding shotgun.
From her extreme generosity, to her fearless mission of leading others to Jesus, her deep faith in the Lord fueled everything she did. Her family knew to expect her to lovingly pull aside any hostess, waiter, cashier, or stranger who crossed her path, offering a prayer and a gentle path to Christ. She had a special way of getting through barriers and touching peoples’ hearts.
Mrs. West will always be remembered for the way she made everyone around her feel special, beautiful, and seen. She found the good in every person she met and was known to plant a signature red-lipstick kiss on many a cheek.
Mrs. West was pre-deceased by her parents, Oscar P. and Aletha Currie Middleton of Waverly; her husband, Robert K. “Bob” West; her first granddaughter, Anneliese Joy Hollingsworth; and her brothers, Oscar P. “Jay” Middleton and James Hall “Jimmy” Middleton.
She is survived by her three children, William P. C. “Cal” Smith of Waverly; Cynthia “Tibby” Hollingsworth (Gene) of Kingsland and Sylvia Adams (John) of Waverly; her grandchildren, John Blake Adams (Candice), Rose Barber (Jared), Matthew Hollingsworth (Tanya), Aletha Mann (Bo), Sterling Rose (Dennis) and Ben Adams; also her 13 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held Monday, November 24 at Waverly Methodist Church with Reverend Bill Ligon, Reverend Jimmy Kelly and Pastor Randy Wainwright officiating.
Burial followed at Homeward Cemetery in Waverly.
Pallbearers were John Black Adams, Matthew Hollingsworth, Benjamin Adams, John Q Adams II, Bo Mann, Denis Rose and Jared Barber.
The family would like to express their love and appreciation for the loving care given by the nurses, staff and administrators at Bayview Nursing Home in Nahunta.
Arrangements were with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.
