Joy Caldwell Ponds

Joy Caldwell-Ponds, 87, of Columbus, Mississippi, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital–Golden Triangle in Columbus, Mississippi.

Joy was born on March 13, 1939, in Aberdeen, Mississippi, to Edgar Ozell Pickle and Grace Faulkner Pickle. She spent her childhood growing up in Lakeland, Florida, where she developed the warmth, kindness, and resilient spirit that would define her life.

Joy dedicated many years of faithful service to the citizens of Lowndes County as a Deputy Clerk for the Lowndes County Justice Court before retiring. She was a devoted member of Fairview Baptist Church in Columbus and found great joy in her faith, her family, and her many friendships.

In her later years, Joy made her home at Trinity Place Retirement Community in Columbus. She loved living there and often spoke of the friendships she formed with both the residents and the caring staff. Trinity Place became much more than a residence—it became a close-knit community where she found companionship, laughter, and love. Her family is deeply grateful for the kindness, compassion, and friendship shown to her during her time there.

She especially treasured time spent with those she loved most. Whether shopping with family and friends, cheering on her beloved Mississippi State Bulldogs, or simply enjoying time together, Joy's greatest happiness came from being surrounded by those she loved. She was known for her gentle heart, unwavering love for her family, her sweet spirit, and her quiet strength.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar Ozell Pickle and Grace Faulkner Pickle, and her sister, June Fears.

She leaves behind a loving family: her sister, Pat Cowart of Longview, TX; her son, Mark Caldwell, (Samantha), of Starkville, MS; her son, Matt Caldwell, (Melissa), of Starkville, MS; her grandchildren, Jace Caldwell, (Sarah), of Starkville, MS, Cade Caldwell, (Loriann), of Saraland, AL, and Charlsi Caldwell of Starkville, MS; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Crew Caldwell and Cara Grace Caldwell; and her cherished lifelong friends, Carol Meriwether of Lakeland, FL, and Nena Gorrell of Huntsville, AL. She also leaves behind numerous extended family members and dear friends.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Jace Caldwell, Cade Caldwell, Charlsi Caldwell, Brian Hinton, Charlton Crawford, Brian Lancaster, Paul Stuart, Derek Lowery, Terry Fitch, and Todd Cowart.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Fairview Baptist Church in Columbus, Mississippi. The Celebration of Life service will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request memorial donations to the Trinity Place Sunday Fund to help residents in need. https://www.mss.org/the-sunday-fund/