Joy Munnerlyn

With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of Joy Munnerlyn, a woman whose warmth and bright spirit touched everyone she met. Joy never met a stranger—only friends she hadn’t yet made. Her kindness was effortless, her laughter contagious, and her presence was a light that filled every room.

Though she was 72 years old, Joy carried herself with the energy and joy of someone decades younger, never seeming to age beyond 35 in spirit. She embraced life fully, finding happiness in the simplest moments and sharing that joy freely with others.

Joy was the daughter of the late Sam Ralston Smith and the late Mary Ellen Laird Smith.

She was a successful and driven businesswoman who took great pride in her work. Over the years, she owned and operated Lexington Interiors, Lexington Beauty Supply, Sun Your Bunz/The Body Tan, and The Purple Plum in Lexington. More recently, she owned Charleston Fireworks in Charleston, South Carolina, and was the proud owner of Country Park in Edmund.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her son, Dr. Christopher Brent Munnerlyn and his wife, Lindsey Munnerlyn of Lexington; and her daughter, Lori Munnerlyn and her husband, Marty Beutler of North. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Christian Munnerlyn, Marine Corps Sergeant (retired), and his wife Lena of Lexington; Drayton Beutler of North; Ivy Munnerlyn and her fiancé, Petty Officer Second Class Jackson Rehfuss, United States Coast Guard, of Key West, Florida; Shelton Munnerlyn of Lexington; and Ainsley Munnerlyn of Key West, Florida.

Joy was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Wrenley Kate Munnerlyn and Lyla Munnerlyn, both of Lexington.

She is further survived by several cousins, including two very close cousins, Rita Tindal of Wagner-Salley and Tracey Bazemore of Pelion. She also leaves behind many dear friends who were like family to her: Patti Royal of Lexington, Ada Brixhoff of Santee, Jasper Lloyd, Jr. of West Columbia, Sandra Simmons of Lexington, Cindy Larrabee Clark of West Columbia, Richard Taylor of West Columbia, Kerry Basden of Lexington, and Linda Rutland of Lexington. Joy had countless friends whom she loved dearly—far too many to mention.

Her one true love and loyal companion, her Shih Tzu Riley Reese, has now made his sister Lori’s house his forever home, but he will miss his mother deeply.

Honorary pallbearer will be Jasper Lloyd, Jr.

Pallbearers will be Robby Holliman, Richard Derrick, Richard Taylor, Rodney Royals, and Jeremiah Brydon.

A graveside service will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery in Pelion on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Life Care Center of Columbia for the excellent care provided to Joy during her stay, and especially to Nurse Lillian for the extra care and attention she showed to Joy, as well as the comfort she gave to Joy’s children during this difficult time.

Joy will be remembered not only for the love she gave so freely, but for the way she made others feel—seen, welcomed, and cherished. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she brightened, as well as in the many businesses and communities she helped build.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.