Joyce Gay (Pentoney) Wagner, age 90, was called home to her Heavenly Father on March 15, 2026. She passed away peacefully in Rock Hill, South Carolina. A woman whose life reflected unwavering faith, Gay’s warmth, kindness, and devotion were the foundation of her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love spanning five generations, each enriched by her gentle spirit.
Born in Sleepy Creek, West Virginia, Gay was the daughter of Donald and Madeline Pentoney. She was raised in Cumberland, Maryland, where she graduated from Fort Hill High School. Following her graduation, she began her professional career in administrative roles with Liberty Trust Bank and Pittsburgh Plate Glass.
In 1980, Gay relocated to Rock Hill, South Carolina, with her husband, Paul Wagner. There, she continued her career and ultimately retired from Winthrop University, where she faithfully served at the Winthrop Health Center.
Gay was a devoted woman of faith and an active member of Bible Baptist Church in Fort Mill, South Carolina. She shared her love of music through playing the piano and singing in the church choir. In her leisure time, she enjoyed bowling, spending time with her beloved family, playing cards with her friends, and attending yearly gospel concerts.
She succeeded her brother, Jerry Petoney (Carol Ann) and is survived by her daughters, Sonya Tucker and Serena Wachter; her stepdaughter, Heather Volpe (Andrew); her grandchildren, Brandon Pappas (Jamie), Nathan Pappas, Tyler Lehman (Andrea), Taylor Rebh (Cody), and Olivia Evans; her step-grandchildren, Michael, Mason, and Hailey Palmer; her great-grandchildren, Kayla Pappas (Brendon Emerick), Emily Pappas, Gabe Pappas, Amelia Lehman, and Marley Rebh; and her great-great-grandchild, Jett Emerick.
The family will receive friends at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732 on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 from 1:00 – 1:50 pm. A Funeral Service will take place in the chapel at 2:00 pm, with Pastor Jim Parrish officiating. The burial will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery, 4290 Old York Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in memory of Gay to Hospice & Community, PO Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29732.
Condolences can be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net