Joyce Thigpen Elton

Mrs. Joyce Thigpen Elton, lovingly referred to as “Aunt Joyce”, was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 2nd, 2026, at the age of 94. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, March 7th, at 11:00 a.m. in the May & Smith Funeral Home chapel in Sandersville, GA, with burial following at the Brownwood Cemetery. Pastor Rich Bowen will officiate, and the pallbearers will be Greg Jimenez, Charles Jimenez, Bo Taylor, Tony Taylor, Van Branan, Royce Branan, and Randy Branan. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home.

Aunt Joyce was born in Georgia, and she resided in Georgia most of her life. Aunt Joyce was preceded in death by her father, Alfred Freeman Thigpen, her mother, Vando Grizzard Thigpen, her sisters, Velma Thigpen, Lois Thigpen Branan, Francis Thigpen Martin, Helen Thigpen Bell, and her dear husband of 68 years, Charles Owen Elton, lovingly referred to as “Uncle Charles”.

Aunt Joyce and Uncle Charles married in 1953, and the two of them made their life in Augusta, GA. Aunt Joyce spent her career working in administration for the government, and she retired after a full career of service. Aunt Joyce and Uncle Charles were devoted members of the Church at New Hope Worship Center where they were actively involved with the prayer team until late in life. Her greatest joy on Earth was being a servant of God and living a life that would inspire others to have faith and follow Christ. Aunt Joyce loved deeply, and her legacy of love will continue through the many lives that she touched during her time here on Earth.

Aunt Joyce is survived by her Nephews Randy Branan, Van Branan and his wife Violet, Royce Branan and his wife Annette, her Niece, Robin Jimenez, her Great Nephews Bo Taylor, Greg Jimenez and his wife SJ, Charles Jimenez and his wife Lorenmae and their children Rayna, Leiana, and Elena, and her cousin Rebecca Harrell Pulin.

Condolences may be made online at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.