E. Joy Pidgeon

Joy Pidgeon went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Joy was the daughter of the late Noble Ward Urquhart, of Scottish descent, and Lillian Roberts Urquhart.

Joy met Alan Pidgeon at First Presbyterian Church in Royal Oak, Michigan. One year later they were married in the same church. Two years later, Alan’s work with Scott Paper transferred them from Lansing, Michigan to Columbia, South Carolina, which would become their lifelong home.

It was not long before the Pidgeon family found their neighborhood church, Covenant Presbyterian. Al and Joy led Covenant’s Bible youth group for several years. Later in life, they moved their membership to First Presbyterian Church. Through their faith and church family, they were blessed with strong biblical teaching and formed many lifelong friendships.

For ten years, Joy helped lead the church’s freezer ministry alongside other women of the congregation, preparing meals for those who were sick, homebound, or in need of encouragement.

Joy worked for 34 years at JB White/Belk at Columbia’s Fashion Mall. She began in the baby department, later served as the store trainer, and finished her career in management.

Joy’s favorite hobby was traveling the world. She also treasured her 64 years playing in a bridge club with her dear friends.

Joy loved her country and her community. She served faithfully in her Richland County neighborhood as a poll worker and poll manager for many years.

Joy was preceded in death by her husband, Alan Taylor Pidgeon.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Joy Ratteree (John); grandchildren, Michael Taylor Ratteree (Lauren) and Amanda Joy Ratteree Turner (Ben); and great-grandchild, Colton Reid Ratteree.

A funeral service will be held Friday March 13, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, 1324 Marion St, Columbia, SC 29201 in the Smith Chapel. The family will receive friends following the service in the Jackson Hall and burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.