Joy Lavonne (Joyce) Donel

Mrs. Joy LaVonne Joyce Donel age 82, of Clover, South Carolina, went to meet her Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 19th at Atrium Health in Pineville, North Carolina, after a long battle with health issues.

Born on July 29, 1942 in Clarksburg, West Virginia; Joy was the firstborn child of the late Franklin and Catherine Sohl.

A memorial service will be held at Bright Light Free Will Baptist Church on Saturday, August 9th 2025 at 2:00 p.m. with the Reverends Adam Laster and Bruce Kiser officiating.

Joy was preceded in death by her devoted husband of over 40 years, Roger LeClaire Donel. She was survived by her brother, Denny (Linda) Lewis, and sisters, Cathi (Jerry) Johnson of South Carolina and Carrie (Kevin) Beat of Ohio. In addition; she was survived by five grandchildren, one great granddaughter, four nephews, 7 nieces, 21 great nieces and nephews, and eight great great nieces and nephews.

Joy worked as a convenience store manager for several years before obtaining her Certified Nursing Assistant credentials, working for White Oak Manor in York and also Covenant Village in Gastonia, North Carolina. 

She spent most of her time as a housewife and as a babysitter for her nieces, great nephew, her grandsons, and many (many!) neighborhood children. Joy never met a stranger. She would rescue any animal - or person- in need, opening her home to several loved ones that needed a place to stay over the years. 

She was a listening ear, giver of advice (good and bad), cheerleader for the underdog, supporter of those in need. Never without an abundance of animals, the newest Nintendo and computer, and good food; her house was the perfect hang out place. 

Joy was not shy about sharing her love for the Lord with anyone. She was a member of Bright Light Freewill Baptist in York, South Carolina, then Morning Star Freewill Baptist Church in Clover, South Carolina; both for many years. 

Friends are invited to share their condolences and memories with the family at www.brattonfuneralhome.com

Bratton funeral home of York, South Carolina is honored to serve the Donel family during this time of loss.

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