Joan Daugherty

Joan Baker Daugherty, lovingly known as “Nanny” to her family, born October 24, 1955, went peacefully to her heavenly home on March 15, 2026. Born in Pasadena, Texas, Joan spent most of her life in Southside, Alabama—a place she deeply loved and proudly called home.

Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marion Harlan Daugherty; her parents, Martha Kate Vinson Baker and Clare Charles Baker; and her dear sister, Sandi Dianne Crawford.

She is survived by her loving children: Misty (Wade) Silvey, Jon (Amy) Clough, and Amanda (Adam) Stokes. Joan’s greatest joy was her family, especially her fourteen grandchildren: Blaike (Karina) Butler, Kayla Clough, Madison (Tyler) Burks, Kambree Snider, Colton Clough, Pressley Slaton, Ashleigh Walker, Matthew Bolton, Chad Bolton, Baylon Stokes, Brennan Stokes, Blaine Stokes, Casey Silvey, and Reagen Culver. She was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Zeppelin Layfield, Cash Culver, Drake Burks, Cooper Culver, Olivia Butler, Houston Stokes, Ben Stokes and Allison Burks.

Joan is also survived by her sister, Tonya Scott, along with many treasured friends she lovingly referred to as her “Sisters of the Heart”: Tina Maltos, Mary Cleveland, Mary Helen Bryant, Carolyn Fordham, and Brenda Phillips.

Joan loved Southside High School and devoted much of her life to preserving and sharing the history of Southside and SHS alumni. Through numerous Facebook pages, she joyfully shared photos, stories, and memories of the community she cherished, forming many lifelong friendships along the way.

In 1994, Joan graduated from Gadsden State Community College with a degree in Nursing. She dedicated her career to caring for others, serving as a registered nurse in cardiac critical care, hospice, and later as a nurse charge auditor for many years. Her compassion and commitment to helping others were evident in every role she held.

Joan was well known for her green thumb—she truly could grow anything. She had a special love for flowers and plants, especially her angel trumpets. She spent countless hours gardening, harvesting, cooking, and canning, and she delighted in sharing her knowledge, homemade pickles, and plant cuttings with friends she met throughout her life.

She and her beloved husband, Harlan, shared a love for simple joys. Some of her favorite memories were trips to Smith Farms on Chandler Mountain to buy cases of tomatoes to share with family and friends, especially when she had grandchildren with them to share the adventure. They made many cherished memories gardening together and “shaking the pecan trees” every fall or playing the family softball game.

Joan loved shopping, but even more, she loved buying things for others. Her generous heart and giving spirit were hallmarks of who she was. She found great joy in holidays and celebrations, often inviting Santa to visit her home for the grandchildren. She and Harlan also built a fall display each year at Alexandria Elementary School with hay, pumpkins, and mums, especially meaningful while their granddaughters attended there.

Joan will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity, and the childlike excitement she felt each time a great-grandchild came to visit. While we mourn the loss of our mother, sister, and friend, we celebrate her reunion with her beloved husband and family. She missed them dearly and longed to be with them and with our Heavenly Father.

Pallbearers are Adam Stokes, Blaike Butler, Chris Hogeland Wade Silvey, and Tyler Burks.