Joy Dempsey Cook

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 15, 1927, Joy was known for her kindness and her deep love for others. She treasured time spent with family and friends and found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved cooking, gardening, completing jigsaw and word search puzzles, and reading among other hobbies.

Joy faithfully served her church community for many years. She taught Sunday School and “Women of the Church” classes and sang in the choir, where her favorite hymn was “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” She deeply loved studying scripture and reading her Bible. Her favorite passage was Psalm 91, which she could recite from memory. Joy was a member of Faith Presbyterian Church in McDonough, Georgia, and previously served for many years at Hemphill Presbyterian Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John B. Cook; her eldest son, John Stephen Cook; her sisters, Louise Colquitt and Lucille “Cille” Roberts; and her brother, Clyde Dempsey.

Joy leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Joyanne Evans and Amber Heard; her sons, Michael Cook and Steve Matlock (Chona); her grandchildren, Brian Evans, Skyler Cook, Megan Whitley (Marshall), and Jacob Matlock; and her great-grandchildren, Phoenix Cook, Connor Cook, Elizabeth Grizzle, Ashlyn Whitley, and Amelia Whitley.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Courtney, Lamont, Lamora, and Sarah of Southern Grace Hospice for their kindness, compassion, and dedicated care.

A visitation of family and friends will be held for Joy at the Horis A. Ward - Fairview Chapel | 376 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia, 30281, on February 24, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A celebration of her life will follow at the same venue, beginning at 11:00 am. Services will conclude with a graveside committal at Fairview Memorial Gardens | 164 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia, 30281.