Joy Lawson Pope Mabry, age 94, of Canton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Camellia Place in Woodstock, Georgia.

Born on April 28, 1932, in Canton, Georgia, Joy was the daughter of the late John Gordon Lawson and Adena Henderson Lawson. A lifelong learner and dedicated educator, she graduated from Canton High School, now Cherokee High School, before pursuing higher education. She earned her undergraduate degree from Georgia College and State University (salutatorian) and later received her Master's and 6th-Year Specialist degrees from the University of Georgia.

Joy devoted more than 50 years of service to the Cherokee County School System (teacher, librarian, and Director of the Teacher's Resource Center), leaving a lasting impact on countless students, colleagues, and families throughout the community. Her passion for education, commitment to excellence, and genuine care for others made her a beloved teacher, mentor, and friend.

In addition to her parents, Joy was preceded in death by her first husband, Bobby Pope; her son, Skip Pope; her second husband, Doug Mabry; and her sister, Ruth Nix.

She is survived by her son, David Gordon (Cindy) Pope of Lebanon, Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Christopher Pope, Joy (Tom) Macchione, and Bobby Pope III; great-grandchildren, Elijah Pope, Selah Macchione, Kalyn Macchione, Leena Macchione, and Bobby Pope IV; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends.

Joy, as a teenager, surrendered her life to Christ Jesus and remained a lifelong member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church (Hickory Flat, Georgia). A Joy-Full Celebration of her life will be held at Mt. Zion Baptist on July 25th at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made to the Cherokee County Educational Foundation.

The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Joy Lawson Pope Mabry.