Wera Nell Joy

Wera Nell Joy, 90, of Columbia, SC, died Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Wera was born September 22, 1935, in Johnsonville, SC, to the late Doward and Maude Prosser. She is predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years, William Joy, Sr., and grandson, Jay Coulter Joy. She is survived by her son, William Joy, Jr. (Kathy) of Columbia, SC; Amanda Joy Olson (Steve) of Tampa, FL; Jackie Preston of Greenville, SC ; her grandchildren, Josh Joy, Ryan Joy (Sara), Alyssa Olson (Joe), Reagan Olson Stark (Zach), CJ Drake (Bri), Parker Drake, Brayden Drake; 2 great grandsons, Cassian and Zaylen Olson-Baker; her sisters, Rounette Altman (Warren), Dee Shipley; and numerous nieces, nephews and close friends.

Wera graduated from Columbia College and received her master's degree from USC. She followed the USC Women’s Basketball Team with an unwavering devotion. She was a member of Mill Creek United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir and taught Adult Sunday School classes. Wera was an elementary school teacher for 33 years and retired from Mill Creek Elementary School in 1990. She always appreciated hearing from her former students. She was an avid reader and enjoyed exchanging books with her friends. During her later years, she loved her many travels to Israel. On each trip to The Holy Land, she brought along a family member or friend, to experience its beauty and sacredness.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Mill Creek United Methodist Church at 1:00 pm. A reception will be held afterwards in the Church Holler Building. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Mill Creek UMC, Riverbanks Zoo, or a charity of your choice.