Joy Kight McLendon, 78

Mrs. Joy Kight McLendon, age 78, beloved wife of Hugh McLendon of Soperton, passed away Saturday evening, July 12, 2025, at Community Hospice in Vidalia. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, July 16, at 2 p.m. at the Trinity Assembly of God with Pastor Larry Hammock and Pastor Jessica Riner officiating. Mrs. McLendon was laid to rest in Westview Cemetery. Family received friends Tuesday, July 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Trinity Assembly of God.

Serving as pallbearers were Cale Kight, Eric Kight, Jerrod Bailey, Alan Brinson, Glenn Brinson and Stacey McLendon.

A native and lifelong resident of Soperton, Joy was one of seven and the second eldest daughter born to the late Robert A. Kight and Eloise Brinson Kight. She was a graduate of Soperton High School, Class of 1965. In 1968, Joy married Hugh McLendon and they began a fifty-seven year long journey as husband and wife. Mrs. McLendon had worked for the State of Georgia Department of Family and Children’s Services in Soperton for thirty-four years from where she retired as the Assistant to the Executive Director in 2002. After retiring from the State, Joy worked for her brother, Chester Kight, with Shamrock and Blue Lake Sod Farms.

Mrs. McLendon was known for the cleanliness of her home, which she derived pleasure in maintaining. She enjoyed flower gardening, reading and cooking for her family. Joy had been a longtime member of the Church of God of Latter-Day Rain which later became the Trinity Assembly of God. In addition to her parents, Mrs. McLendon is preceded in death by her siblings, Ronald Kight, Gayle Kight and Tony Kight.

Mrs. McLendon leaves behind her husband of fifty-seven years, Hugh McLendon; daughter, Rhonda McLendon Norris (Barry); brother, Chester Kight (Peggy); twin sisters, Carol Kight and Cheryl Bailey (Philip); twin grandchildren, Anslee and Landry Norris, all of Soperton; and several nieces and nephews.

Sammons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.