Joyce S. Dove

Joyce Skandamis Dove passed away peacefully at home on June 13, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined not only by her accomplishments, but by the love, generosity, and connection she gave so freely to others.

Born on January 1, 1936, in Albany, Georgia, the first baby of the New Year, Joyce was the beloved daughter of Andrew Harry Skandamis and Maggie Vainas Skandamis, who preceded her in death.

Above all else, Joyce wanted to be remembered for her love of family. She was the heart and the glue that held everyone together-always present, always caring, always giving. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen and valued. Whether family, lifelong friends, or someone she had just met, Joyce welcomed everyone with warmth and genuine interest. Everywhere she went, she made friends easily; her gregarious spirit and kind heart drew people to her.

Joyce never missed a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion. She faithfully sent cards, made calls, and found thoughtful ways to let others know they were remembered and loved. She also had a deep compassion for those in need, generously supporting her church, veterans, the homeless, and animal causes-not only with financial contributions, but with her time and personal involvement.

Joyce was a proud graduate of Albany High School, Class of 1954. She earned her degree in Secretarial Science from Valdosta State University and later completed her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Georgia State University. She furthered her professional expertise through advanced training with the American Bankers Association and the American Institute of Banking.

Her career in banking was both distinguished and trailblazing. After beginning at First State Bank & Trust Company of Albany, Joyce moved to Atlanta in 1966 to join Trust Company Bank (later SunTrust), where she built a 30-year career, rising to Vice President in Branch Administration and helping pave the way for women in leadership roles.

Joyce was deeply committed to her professional and civic communities. She served in numerous leadership roles with the Women's Chamber of Commerce of Atlanta and devoted decades of service to Credit Professionals International (CPI), where she held offices at every level - local, state, district, and international. Her many honors included Credit Professional of the Year, induction into the CPI International Hall of Fame, and the Helen B. Sawyers HERO Award and numerous Distinguished Service Awards. Joyce also served on the Board of Directors of Clairmont Place from 2020 to 2025.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. As a devoted member of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in Atlanta, Joyce served faithfully on numerous committees and supported the church in countless ways. In loving memory of her parents, she donated the Dove Chapel, creating a peaceful space for prayer and reflection for generations to come.

She found joy in life's simple pleasures, playing bridge (often organizing games for charitable causes), reading, and traveling with family and dear friends, including her close companion Anne Hammond and Lionel Brown.

Joyce poured her love into her extended family and godchildren, who were deeply cherished. She is survived by her cousins Maria Vlattas and her husband Ted Jenkins of Oak Island, North Carolina; Nick Vlattas and his wife Barb of Yorktown, Virginia; and Alexis and Olga Vainas of Columbia, South Carolina, Kristen Wickre and husband David, Eleni Sarantakos, and Andrew Wickre of Yorktown, Virginia; and Nicholas Vlattas and his wife Kelsey of Geneva, Illinois. She was a devoted godmother to Jim Morgan and his wife Cynthia; Nicholas Vlattas and his wife Kelsey; Harris Morgan; Nate Morgan; Genie Pappas Becknell and her husband Britt; Alexandria Becknell; Bennett Watson; and John Hall.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Joyce's devoted caregivers at Personal Care: Trina, Pauline, Olivia, Debra, Kayla, and others for their compassionate and attentive care. We are also deeply thankful to Agape Hospice, especially Margaret and Keisha, for their kindness and support during Joyce's final days. Special appreciation is given to her loving Care Squad: Cynthia and Jim Morgan, Geni Becknell, and Jack Carvalho, and Clairmont friends and staff whose constant presence, care, and devotion brought comfort and peace to Joyce and her family.

Joyce will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity, her deep faith, and the way she made everyone feel like family. Her legacy of love and connection will live on in all who knew her.

Services Services will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, 2500 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, Georgia. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and a makaria (mercy meal) at the church.

Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, 220 Cotton Avenue, Albany, Georgia on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, reflecting Joyce's deep faith and lifelong commitment to her church.

Memory Eternal.
Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη.