Ms. Carolyn Joyce Teal Fuller

On Sunday January 11, 2026, the world became a much quieter place with the passing of Carolyn Joyce Teal Fuller, age 72 of Thomaston, GA.

Renowned for her ability to turn any five-minute story into a fifty-minute story, Joyce’s family is now enjoying what they are calling their "first collective moment of silence in decades." Though she never had a filter, she was never short on love, and will be deeply missed. No doubt she is giving all the angels in heaven a detailed account of her life's adventures. I am sure that, at one point or another, everyone that knew her has had a conversation with her and tried to interject, only to be met with her loving but firm refusal to be interrupted. It wasn't because she didn't care what any of us had to say, but because she had so much to share. She spent her life ensuring her family was cared for, knew all her stories, and we are truly all better for it. We will honor her memory by remembering every lesson she taught us and all the tough love she bestowed upon us all.

She was born July 25, 1953, in Meriwether county, GA, a daughter of the late Joe A. Teal and Ruby Ione Riggins Teal.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son, Robert Monroe Pilkenton III; her brothers, Dennis (Linda)Teal and Ronnie Teal; and sister, Ruby Joe (George) Jones.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Wendy (Lenny) Retherford and her son Darrell (Dyeanna) Fuller, who often joke that she spoke more words before her first cup of coffee than most people speak all day. She is also survived by her 7 grandchildren, Lauren (Sam), Courtney (Josh), John, Kirsten (Chris), Justin, Kristen, Taylor(Grant), and her precious Wesley and 8 great grandchildren. We will all will miss the life lessons, words of wisdom and her undeniable presence. We love and miss her so much!!!!

A graveside service to celebrate Joyce's life will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 12:00 Noon at Faithful Christian Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Joey Smith officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM, at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home.

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.