Mildred Joanne Lappin
Mildred Joanne Lappin, 91, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
She was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on July 24, 1934, to Daniel Slayden Proctor and Mildred McDaniel Proctor.
Joanne had a love for learning and music from an early age. She enjoyed school and spent many hours playing the violin and piano. She graduated from Central High School in 1952.
Soon after, she married Charles Vernon Lappin before he left to serve in the U.S. Navy. She later joined him in San Diego, where they shared some of their favorite memories together. After his service, they returned to Chattanooga and built their life there, raising two daughters, Cathy Anne Hawes and Connie Renae Miller.
Joanne is survived by her two daughters and their husbands, Greg Miller and Jeff Hawes. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Adam Boles, Jeffrey Hawes II, Brian Miller, and Laura Shirley; her great-grandchildren: Ash Miller, Bella Craig, Blake Miller, Ian Craig, Cole Boles, Logan Craig, Brin Miller, Luke Shirley, and Abigail Shirley; and her great-great-grandchild, Damian Craig. She is also survived by her sister, Pat Lewis; her brother, Danny Proctor; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Betty Hill.
Family was at the center of Joanne’s life. She especially enjoyed family reunions at Fall Creek Falls and spending time with neighbors who became close friends. In her later years, she found comfort in quiet days on the porch with her flowers and in weekly visits with her niece, Rhonda, and her sister, Pat.
She spent her final days at home, surrounded by the people who loved her most. Joanne had a strong and steady faith and looked forward to being with Jesus.
She will be remembered with love for her warmth, her dedication to family, and the simple joys she cherished throughout her life.
Visitation is from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on Thursday at Lane Funeral Home, Ashland Terrace. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415, 423 877-3524, lanefh.com.