Joy Kirk Lanford

A strong case could be made that there has never been a more appropriately named person than Joy Kirk Lanford.

Born February 13, 1947 in Atlanta, GA to the late Bill and Joyce Kirk, she spent more than 7 decades on this earth bringing Joy to all who were fortunate enough to know her. She passed away November 29, 2017 at the age of 70.

She graduated from Atlanta's Northside High School in 1965, the same year she married the late, Buck Lanford. The young couple started a family the following year with their first of four children.

She was the ultimate "people person". She loved people, and people loved her right back. From the grocery store, to the bank, to her favorite restaurants around town, she never met a stranger. Through her kindness (and Joy) she made a profound impact on almost every person with whom she crossed paths, including the doctors, nurses, and technicians who provided her excellent care in the latter stages of her life.

A devout Christian, and active member of First Baptist Church of Atlanta, she was not only there almost every time the doors were open, she also volunteered in the preschool department for many years.

She was a devoted wife, mother, and friend, but she was born to be a grandmother. Proud and dedicated, she thought nothing of traveling all over the city, and for that matter the country, to support her 12 grandchildren in their various athletic and artistic endeavors. If you met her, you have likely heard stories about one or all of them.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, Buck. She is survived by her four children: Lori Lanford Mote and her husband, Wayne, of Loganville, Buck Lanford of Atlanta, Barry Lanford and his wife, Elizabeth, of Atlanta, and Jay Lanford and his wife, Keri, of Smyrna; twelve grandchildren: Kirk Mote and his wife, Beth, Clay Mote, Joy Mote, John David Mote, Will Lanford, Olivia Lanford, Alana Lanford, Noah Lanford, Hudson Lanford, Bradi Lanford, Davis Lanford, and Lilah Lanford; and two brothers Jimmy Kirk and his wife, Sharon, and Jon Kirk and his wife, Jerri.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday, December 1, at A. S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 2, at First Baptist Church of Atlanta, 4400 N. Peachtree Road, Atlanta, 30338.

Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the guestbook provided.