Joy Capes Proctor passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026 at the age of 68, in Covington, Georgia, where she was born on February 26, 1958. As was true throughout her life journey, Joy was and is surrounded and lovingly remembered by the family she treasured and the many friends she drew close and held dear in every phase of her life.

Joy was preceded in death by her mother, Macy Maxine Moore Northcutt and stepfather Maurice Loren “Bud” Northcutt, and her father, Jerry Oliver Capes and stepmother Barbara. Joy is survived by her beloved husband, Martin “Marty” Dixon Proctor; her sister, Kimberly Capes Carter and brother-in-law Maurice Carter; her stepsister Laura Borgini and husband Fred; her stepbrother Doug Reeves & his wife Rena; her stepsister Linda Gardner and husband Richard; her stepbrother Duane Northcutt and wife Monica Lam; her stepson Quinn J. Proctor; her sister-in-law Julie Ambrose; her sister-in-law, Jan Proctor; her brother-in-law, Jamie Proctor & wife Valeri Umstetter; her aunts, uncles, and many cousins she also treasured.

After growing up in Covington, Joy began her career in Atlanta as a legal secretary, but she lived and worked in Tampa, Florida for over 30 years as a special assistant to private lawyers and later judges and magistrates in the State of Florida legal system. When Joy retired, she moved back to Covington with Marty in 2019 to live near her family and lifelong friends, until her sudden passing.

Joy will be remembered for many things, by many people, but the common thread through everything is joy -- with a lowercase “j”. She loved deeply and celebrated the people in her life. Bringing them together and watching everyone have fun gave her a deep and meaningful purpose to her life.

A Gathering of Friends for Joy will be held from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home with a Time of Sharing at 5:00 PM in the Chapel of the funeral home.