Joy Lightcap

Joy M. Lightcap — a woman who, true to her name, brought joy and light into the lives of everyone she touched.

Born on March 22, 1941, in Xenia, Ohio, Joy was the beloved first daughter of Dorothy Deaton Staats and Warren Staats. She grew up in Germantown, Ohio, where she began a lifelong pattern of excellence — not just in achievement, but in spirit, warmth, and character. Even in her early years, it was clear Joy had a special sparkle. She was charming, intelligent, and deeply engaged with her community and peers. From May Day Queen in sixth grade to Homecoming Queen in her senior year, Joy had a way of standing out — not simply for her beauty or popularity, but for her heart.

Throughout her high school years, she was a cheerleader, student council member, and leader of multiple organizations. Her classmates recognized her as FFA Queen three years running, and even when she tied for Prom Queen, she graciously deferred the title to her close friend — a reflection of her generous and humble nature.

At Ohio University, Joy continued to shine. She studied English with the goal of becoming a teacher, and along the way, she gathered accolades and honors that few could match. She was dorm president, president of Kappa Delta Pi, and a member of several prestigious academic honor societies. She capped off her collegiate journey by receiving the Margaret M. Deppen leadership trophy and being named Outstanding Woman of her senior year — a title that would follow her into adulthood, as she was once again named Outstanding Woman in Fairfield, Ohio in 1984.

Joy poured her heart into teaching, shaping young minds with grace, passion, and creativity. She taught English and Spanish across middle and high schools in Ohio and Michigan, often balancing her work in the classroom with the even greater work of raising four children: Lisa, Chris, David, and Michael. Lisa then made her a grandmother for the first time with birth of Michael and then Codi. Later, through her marriage to Ron in 2000, she lovingly welcomed Pamela and Eric into her heart and family.

Whether she was preparing fiestas for her Spanish students or racing between practices for her children’s many sports, Joy gave tirelessly, joyfully. She was named Teacher of the Year three times — a testament to her lasting impact in the lives of her students and colleagues.

Joy lived life with style and intention. She had an eye for beauty — in books, gardens, and fashion. She was known for her matching outfits, her tasteful jewelry, and her ability to pull together an ensemble with effortless elegance. Her garden was an extension of her soul: vibrant, thoughtful, full of life — each statue a tribute to her beloved children. And her poetry, her love for collecting, her passion for reading — these were windows into the deep sensitivity and curiosity that defined her.

With Ron by her side, she embraced the joys of retirement, splitting their time between Georgia and Nokomis, Florida, where they cultivated not just flowers but friendships, community, and memories. From garden clubs and fashion shows to margaritas at Two Senoritas, Joy lived every season of her life to the fullest.

In Georgia, she found joy in being close to her sons, David and Michael, and their families. She was a devoted grandmother to Sloan, Davis, Cecilia, and Jack, never missing a game, a concert, or a celebration. She delighted in visits from her daughter Lisa and her great granddaughters, Allison and Anna — each visit a treasure.

At her core, Joy was a woman of faith. The spiritual foundation laid by her grandparents carried her throughout her life. She worshiped with joy, studied scripture with passion, and praised God with her voice and her heart. As one pastor said so beautifully, “she was a woman of great discernment.”

Joy’s life was a testament to love — love of learning, of beauty, of her family, and of her Lord. Her legacy is one of grace, strength, laughter, kindness, and unwavering faith. And while we grieve her passing, we take comfort in knowing that she now rests in eternal peace, surrounded by the divine light she so often brought into this world.

Rest well, Joy. You have lived a life beautifully.

Joy is survived by her loving husband Ronald “Ron” Lightcap; her children; Chris Centers, David (Jeanine) Centers, Michael (Samantha) Centers), Lisa (Jamie) Boggs, Pamela (Jose) Luis Dominguez, and Eric Lightcap.

Siblings; Terrence (Necia) Bell, Patricia (Tony) Priore, Pam (Sid) Gillman, and Saundra Staats McLemore.

Her nine Grandchildren; Michael Boggs, Codi Boggs, Davis Centers, Sloan Centers, Cecilia Centers, Jack Centers, Joash Centers, Shannon Fay, and Megan Lightcap.

And two Great grandchildren, Allison Boggs and Anna Boggs.

She is preceded in her death by her parents, Dorothy Bell and Warren Staats.

Viewing and visitation will be on Friday, April 25th, 2025 at McDonald and Son Funeral Home from 5pm-7pm.

Visitation with family be held Saturday, April 26th, 2025 from 2pm-3pm. Followed by funeral services and ceremony of life in the chapel of McDonald and Son Funeral Home on Saturday, April 26th, 2025 from 3pm-4pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Joy’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Condolences may be expressed at www.mcdonaldandson.com.

Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 886.9899