Joy Marie May Doby, 79, of Guilford County, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on February 2, 1947, in Guilford County, Joy was a woman whose life was marked by devotion to her family, steady work, and the simple pleasures that brought beauty and happiness to those around her. She graduated from Gibsonville High School building the foundation for a career that reflected her diligence and versatility. Over the years, she served as an Administrative Assistant for the City of Greensboro, a Processing Assistant for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, a paralegal for a local attorney, and an insurance underwriter for Bankers and Shippers Insurance Company.

Outside of her career, Joy found lasting enjoyment in flower gardening, crocheting, and diamond painting. Joy has many flower beds on her property that are full of bushes and flowers that were gifts from friends and family. The highlight—and biggest chore—of each summer was tending her vegetable garden and canning the harvest, which frequently turned into quality family time. She loved ‘50s music, and among the sweetest memories shared with her family were the moments spent teaching her daughters dance moves to the songs she cherished. Joy often hosted the entire Doby family for Thanksgiving and Christmas lunch, filling her home with love and laughter.

She leaves behind a family who will forever carry her memory and love in their hearts. She is survived by her daughters, Shannon Wagoner (Keith) and Sherry Doby; her nephew Allan Capps her honorary son; grandchildren, Kasey and Kari Wagoner, and Alex Menius (Maegan); great-grandchildren, Eleanor and Elijah Menius; brothers, Gene May (Hope) and Gary May (Linda); sisters-in-law, Peggy May, Martha May, Becky Doby, Linda Doby, and Brenda Doby; brothers-in-law, James Doby and Archie Capps as well as many nieces and nephews who loved her like a mother.

Joy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years 8 months 28 days, Paul Doby; her parents, Russell and Elsie Loye May; her granddaughter, Ashley Doby; her brothers, Clarence May, Jimmy May, and Larry May; her sisters-in-law, Nancy May, Linda S. May, Viola Whitesell, and Louise Capps; and her brothers-in-law, Gaynor Whitesell and Troy Doby Jr.

We would like to thank our cousin Allan Capps for being the rock in this storm. Allan loved our mother like she was his and cared for her in the same fashion refusing to leave her during her illness. The love he shows our family is endless and he was deeply loved by our mother.

A service to celebrate Joy’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Gibsonville, with burial to follow at Alamance Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at Lowe Funeral Home and Crematory.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Gibsonville Joy will be remembered for the care she gave, the work she did so faithfully, and the happiness she found in family, music, and the creative joys of everyday life. Her presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.