Joan Epperson Johnson, 90, of Athens, passed away Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. Joan was born on June 22, 1932 to Ollie Ray and Junie Faye Moreland Epperson. She graduated from McMinn County High School in 1950 and attended Tennessee Wesleyan College, where she earned a degree in teaching. Joan taught the second grade at City Park School in Athens until her marriage in 1955 to Bob Johnson, her high school sweetheart and love of her life. They lived in several Air Force base locations before returning to Athens in 1958, where Bob began his career at Hammer Johnson Supply. Joan was a devoted wife and mother, selflessly giving of her time and attention to her family and others. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, working at Hammer Johnson and being with family. She was active in her church, Keith Memorial United Methodist Church, working with the United Methodist Women and teaching Sunday School. She embodied the essence of Christian living, putting God and others first, always willing to help anyone in need. The love she gave to us will live in our hearts forever. All the lives she touched were enhanced by her presence, and she will be greatly missed.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Bob Johnson; her parents; her sister, Sue Haren; and her brother, Jack Epperson.
She is survived by three daughters, Melissa Bagley (Jim), Lauren Jackson and Ginger Coats (David). She is also survived by four grandchildren, Kate Mason (Andy), Andrew Knutson, Ben Jackson and Hunter Knutson (Ashlyn); and two great-grandchildren, McKenzie Knutson and Frankie Mason.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home, with Rev. Melissa Smith and Rev. Mike Hubble officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Keith Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1, Athens, Tn. 37371-0001; Tennessee Wesleyan University, Robert and Joan Johnson Scholarship Endowment, 204 E. College St., Athens, Tn. 37303; or to a charity of your choice.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the caregivers who provided loving and compassionate care to both our father and mother.