Joy Holcombe Wallace

Heaven welcomed one of its saints on Sunday, January 15, 2017, when Joy Holcombe Wallace died at her home, surrounded by her family. Joy led a wonderful life marked by success, achievements, honors, and filled with loving family and friends.

If success is measured by love and marriage, Joy succeeded indeed, having been married to her loving husband Robert for more than 58 years. Joy and Robert met when both were teenagers, and they have loved each other since.

If achievement is marked by childrearing, Joy achieved more than most. Joy and Robert raised 6 children - Kimberley Cain (Randy), Robyn Williams (Greg), Ted Wallace (Elise), Lisa Barrington (Charlie), Kristy Ragsdale (Mark), and Bruce Wallace (Sally). Her children remember their mother as a fun, loving, and devoted parent, always ready with a kind and encouraging word.

If honors are bestowed for grandparents, Joy has received abundant honors. She was known as "Buddy" to her 19 grandchildren. These grandchildren remember Joy as spunky and loving. And these grandchildren will pass on their memories of Joy to her two great-granddaughters, as well as the great-grandchildren expected this spring, and for generations to come.

Joy's friends counted her as a steadfast and enthusiastic confidant of whom anything could be asked. Joy's constancy in her friendships revealed her unyielding devotion and unwavering commitment to love others. Joy worked tirelessly and passionately for myriad causes, including her home church, the Church of the Holy Communion (where she served as Eucharistic minister and Senior Warden), and local service organizations, through which she was named Woman of the Year by the Charleston Federation of Women's Clubs.

As much as Joy loved these people and causes, nothing in her life would have been possible without her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. He is the source of the strength by which Joy was able to accomplish all she has done in her life. As a result, Joy departed this life in peace, to be reunited with her mother, father, and sister, Judy Wilbanks.

Joy's family would like to thank the nurses and doctors of Roper Hospital and Roper Hospice as well as her private caregivers. Their kindness and compassion provided Joy with quality of life and protected her dignity during her final days.

Her family and friends will receive those who remember Joy fondly at J. HENRY STUHR, MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL, 1494 Mathis Ferry Road, Mt. Pleasant from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, January 20, 2017. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at the Church of the Holy Communion, 218 Ashley Avenue in downtown Charleston on Saturday, January 21, 2017, at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to The Church of the Holy Communion Endowment Fund, 218 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403-5245 or the O.T. Wallace Scholarship Fund, Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, USC, 1714 College Street, Columbia, SC 29208.