Joyce (Hill) Lewis

Joyce Hill Lewis, of Vidalia, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, after an extended illness. Born on May 20, 1947, in Atlanta, Georgia, Mrs. Lewis lived a remarkable life defined by creativity, entrepreneurship, and dedicated community service.

A 1965 graduate of Sylvan Hills High School in Atlanta, Mrs. Lewis began a journey that took her across several states and through a variety of professional roles. After high school, she moved to Birmingham, Alabama, and later to Clearwater, Florida, where she worked in accounting at Suncoast Hospital.

In 1973, she returned to Atlanta and joined the Georgia Department of Corrections as an accountant. A passionate historian and author, Mrs. Lewis published two genealogy books in the early 1980s, preserving stories and family histories for future generations.

Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish and operate a printing company in Atlanta for 10 years. She also became deeply involved in the pageant industry, working with Little Miss USA and Miss Venus World before founding her own pageant system, Miss Global International. Through this venture, she collaborated with talent agencies in Atlanta, New York, and California, drawing participation from actors, actresses, and producers involved in popular television series such as Dallas, The Dukes of Hazzard, and CHiPs.

Mrs. Lewis married her second husband, Grady R. Lewis, in 1987. After his passing, she relocated to Vidalia, Georgia, in 1997 to be closer to family. Her business acumen and leadership opened the door to new opportunities, including work with the University of Georgia Business Development Program.

In 2002, she became the Lyons Better Hometown Director, a role in which she led numerous community initiatives and served as producer of the beloved community play, Tales of the Altamaha. After retiring in 2008, Mrs. Lewis enjoyed several peaceful and fulfilling years living on Fernandina Beach.

Mrs. Lewis will be remembered for her entrepreneurial drive, creative vision, and heartfelt dedication to the communities she served. She leaves behind a legacy of innovation, service, and inspiration that touched countless lives.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Grady R. Lewis; her mother, Doris Poole; her stepfather, Fred Poole; and her father, Shelton Hill.

Mrs. Lewis will be laid to rest beside her husband at Friendship Baptist Church in Cleveland, Georgia, where the family will hold a graveside service on Friday afternoon, February 6th, 2026, at 2:00.

She is survived by her two daughters, Pamela Fountain and Mandy Smith (Jamie); three grandchildren, Jessica Fountain, Justin Fountain (Alexis), and Sydney Smith; and three great‑grandchildren, Kyndal Carroll, Kylie Carroll, and Jeb Fountain. She is also survived by one brother, Shelton Hill, Jr. (Barbara), as well as two nieces and one nephew.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Georgia Hospice Care, 100 SW Main St., Vidalia, GA 30474 or Toombs County Action Pact Senior Center Meal Program, 107 Airport Road, Vidalia, GA 30474.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.

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