Melinda Joy Laurens-Davis, 64, of Weaverville, North Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina, due to complications from a stroke she had suffered in September. Born on June 22, 1960, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Hugh Darrel Laurens and Mignon St. Lawerence (Gwinn) Laurens of Inman, South Carolina.

In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her older brother, Gerald "Jerry" Darrell Laurens, who tragically lost his life in a car accident in 1973 when Joy was only 13 years old.

She is survived by her husband of 33 years, James "Jimmy" Davis, who resides in Weaverville, NC, and her sister, Linda Caldwell Stone, from Inman, South Carolina.

A graduate of Chapman High School, class of '78, Joy served as the school news editor and senior class president. She then attended Columbia College in Columbia, South Carolina, majoring in Writing and English Literature.

Joy was a talented writer and poet for many years, distinguished by her passion for classical literature. She held an appreciation for works by notable authors such as Thomas Wolfe, John Irving, Truman Capote, and J.D. Salinger. She was also particularly fond of the articles and satire of The New Yorker. Her love for music was just as diverse, spanning an eclectic mix of blues, jazz, and classic rock. Among her favorite artists were Billie Holiday, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and her adolescent crush, Rod Stewart.

Traveling was also a cherished passion for Joy, and she shared many wonderful experiences with her husband, Jimmy. Together, they explored beautiful destinations across Europe, including Paris, Vienna, London, Bath, Germany and Scotland, as well as various parts of the United States.

During this time, Joy and a good friend co-founded the Carolinian chapter of The Little People of America. Both she and Jimmy were members, where Joy served several terms as a board member. They often attended various LPA conventions across the U.S., making lifelong friendships. It was at one of those conventions where the two met, eventually marrying in April 1991.

Joy and Jimmy moved from Georgia to Virginia and later settled in Weaverville, North Carolina. Joy loved her home. She enjoyed sitting on the porch with her cats while knitting or crocheting. She often took snapshots of the wildlife that visited her porch, including a family of raccoons, several deer, and the infamous black bear. Joy also served on the board of the local HOA and was actively involved in the local Arts Council. She worked at Edward Jones Financial services until her retirement in 2022.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.