Joyce Kate Waldroup McNelly, 81, of Lincoln City passed away Friday, November 21, 2025. She was born March 18, 1944 to Sally Kate (West) and Hoyt Waldroup in Murphy, North Carolina.

Joy Lived in Brasstown, North Carolina during her early years and attended Cherokee County Schools where she graduated with the class of 1961. After graduation, she attended Western Carolina College in Cullowhee, North Carolina. She moved to Oregon in 1965 and settled in Lincoln City in the 1970’s where she lived since.

She was an excellent seamstress who also loved crocheting and other handwork. She had a wonderful singing voice and enjoyed singing at Little Brasstown Baptist Church in Brasstown, NC where she was a member before she moved to Oregon.

Joy is survived by son Jeffrey David McNelly (Katie) of Hillsboro, Oregon; grandson Jordon McNelly (Aubrey) of Hillsboro, Oregon; granddaughter Natasha Irish (Josh Nussbaum) of Otis, Oregon; brother Stephen H. Waldroup (Beth) of Lincoln City, Oregon; nephew Christopher S. Waldroup (Jennifer) of Carlton, Oregon and their families. She is preceded in death by her parents Hoyt Waldroup (1996), Sally Kate (West) Waldroup (2024).

At her request no services will be held. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com.