Joy Ackerman Padgett

Joy was born March 1, 1939, in Columbia, South Carolina where she lived most of her life. She was the only child of James Herbert Ackerman and Dorothy Magalis Ackerman. Joy graduated from Dreher High School in 1957 and attended Queens College in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Joy was married to the late Joe Allan Padgett for almost 61 years until his passing in 2021. Together they raised a family of two boys and five Scottish Terriers in succession. She is survived by two sons: Joe Allan Padgett, Jr. (Mary) of Greensboro, Georgia and Scott Ackerman Padgett (Tonja) of Charlotte. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren; Joe Allan Padgett III (Alyssa), Robert Thomas Padgett (Natalie), Emily Drake Padgett, Matthew Ackerman Padgett, Charles Magalis Padgett, and her great grandson Banks Atley Padgett.

Joy and Joe spent 20+ wonderful retirement years residing in Debordieu Colony in Georgetown, SC and enjoyed many special friendships. Joy’s final years were spent at Still Hopes in West Columbia where she and Joe were well cared for. Joy was devoted to her church, and to serving the needs of her community. She was a longtime member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church and Georgetown Presbyterian Church and was active in Cub Scouts when the boys were young as well as Women’s Circle.

Joy made an impression on all she met as her beauty, quick wit, and infectious laugh would light up the room. She loved books, fireplaces, and shag dancing to beach music. She was the consummate hostess and entertainer and was the perfect social director to support Joe’s business career. Family and friends have a lifetime of vivid memories, including an entire lexicon of words she invented with friends over the years.

The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the many caregivers and support staff at Still Hopes who have assisted Joy and attended to her needs in recent years as she struggled against the effects of dementia. In particular, the staff at Rose Gardens Memory Care, Solution Services, Congaree Nursing Care, and Prisma Hospice have been truly angelic.

A public memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community. A reception will follow the service in the Guignard Mansion.

Memorials may be made to Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community, Prisma Health Hospice - Columbia, Eastminster Presbyterian Church, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Remembering her favorite send off: Tra LA la !