Leatrice "Joy" Vanwagoner

Leatrice “Joy” Vanwagoner, age 81, of Ponce de Leon, Florida passed from this life Monday, July 12, 2021. Joy was born April 15, 1940 to Earl and Cordelia Williams Stephens in Demopolis, Alabama. After graduating from Ponce de Leon High School, she pursued a career as a dental assistant and eventually became an entrepreneur in her hometown as owner of Joy’s Video in Ponce de Leon, Florida. Joy loved gardening and creating floral arrangements. She had a passion for decorating, especially during the holidays. Her yard was fully decorated every Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. Joy was also an avid shopper and known affectionately for being QVC’s best customer. She enjoyed spending time with her family and loved ones, particularly her beloved friend and companion, her dachshund, Jessie.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joe Vanwagoner; one sister, Susan Stephens; and her dog, Jessie.

Joy is survived by four children, Kathy Register (Steve), Jim Locke (Jennifer), Robert “Bob” Locke (Anissa), and Christopher Vanwagoner and family; two siblings, Dale Martin and Carol Busby; nine grandchildren, Jaime Lyn Young (Eric), Christopher Register (Brandi), Griff Register (Ari), Alysa Sams (Joe), Jacob Locke (Ashtin), Andrew Smith, Alex Smith (Ashley), Keaton Locke, Ashton Hatcher (Cole); eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Joy's life will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 15, 2021 at Northside Baptist Church in Ponce de Leon, Florida, with a time of visitation to be held one hour prior. Reverend Kenneth Harrison will be officiating.  Flowers will be accepted or a donation may be made to Regency Hospice or Northside Baptist Church in memory of Joy.

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home of DeFuniak Springs.