Joy Elaine Harper Starrett, age 56, of Lavonia, passed away Friday, December 15, 2023 at Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center, following a brief illness.

She was born, September 26, 1967, in Buford, the daughter of the late Charles Harper, Sr. and Ruth Strickland. She graduated from Franklin County High School with the Class of 1985 and earned a degree from Gwinnett Technical College. She owned and operated A Cut Above and Blondie's Tangles for many years. She was employed with Ross Controls and was a member of Mt. Zion Church of Double Churches. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother: Bill Harper, Jr.

Joy loved to spend time with her family and friends. While camping and boat rides were her favorite activities, the time spent with her grandkids were her moments of greatest happiness. Joy will be remembered for her cheerful spirit, happy smile, and warm hugs. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 24 years: Russell Starrett; children: Jessica (Matthew) Tice, Jimmy (La'el) Woody, Jessica (Ethan) Barrett, and Josh (Michelle McDaniel) Starrett; grandkids: Dayton Malachi Woody and McKenzie Nicole Barrett; sisters: Nancy (Rainie) Clark and Linda Stewart; brothers-in-law: Rodney (Melanie) Starrett and Randy (Beth) Starrett; and a host of nieces and nephews that she loved.

A celebration of Joy's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at the chapel of Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia with Rev. Tommy Childress, Rev. Courtney Umbehant, and Mr. Rainie Clark officiating. Burial will follow in the Lavonia City – Burgess Cemetery. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Ken Barnhart, Mark Barrett, Eric Carroll, Colby Clark, Jeremy Clark, Benjamin Clay, Marty Echols, and Drake Reynolds. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until the service hour.

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest register please visit stricklandfh.com.