The Ledger

By Becky Holland

For Joy Simpson, the kitchen has always been more than just a place to cook—it’s where she finds peace.

A 48-year-old Cochran native and 1996 graduate of Bleckley County High School, Joy is a mother of four who now works from home in a contracting position while also homeschooling her 12-year-old. But long before any job titles or responsibilities, she found something that would quietly follow her through life—her love for baking.

That love started early, learning at the side of her mother and her grandmother, Louise Smith. Over the years, what began as a simple joy turned into something more. Whether it was work, church, or community events, Joy was always bringing something sweet to share. Before long, people began to take notice—and a nickname stuck: The Cake Lady.

For Joy, baking isn’t stressful—it’s the opposite.

“I put on my Jesus music and get to baking,” she said.

Her specialties include pound cakes and chocolate chip cookies, though her talents don’t stop there. Cupcakes, Buckeyes, candies, and her well-loved 12-layer cakes have all become favorites among those lucky enough to try them. And while many bakers rely on written recipes, Joy does things a little differently.

“Most of what I cook comes from my brain,” she said. “I used my grandma’s recipe for pound cake at first, but then I tweaked it and made it my own.”

Her KitchenAid mixer—always in motion—helps bring those creations to life, but it’s something else that people seem to notice most.

“I love baking, and whatever I’m making, I pour that love into it,” she said. “People have told me they can taste it.”

Word of her baking has spread the way the best things often do in a small town—through neighbors, friends, and simple word of mouth.

There was a time when arthritis slowed her down and forced her to step away for a while. But the break didn’t last.

“I missed it—and I knew others did too,” she said. “So I decided to push through.”

Looking back, Joy’s path wasn’t exactly what she first imagined. She once thought she might become a teacher, and later considered going into IT, even working at GEICO from 1999 to 2003. But life had a different plan—one that led her right back to the kitchen.

When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Joy didn’t hesitate:

“Find something you enjoy doing, and if you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

And for Joy Simpson, that something just happens to be a little flour, a little sugar… and a whole lot of love.