Joan Balfour

Joan was born and raised in Amory, Mississippi to the late James and Louise Harlow.

Alongside her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, John Balfour Sr.

After Joan graduated from the University of Greensboro, Joan and John Balfour established their home in Lumber Bridge, NC where her husband grew cotton. Her experience as the wife of a cotton grower led her to become an advocate for agriculture. She was named to two positions with the National Cotton Women’s Committee, a volunteer force of women dedicated to promoting U.S. Cotton.

Joan was a dedicated member of Lumber Bridge Presbyterian Church for many years until her health declined. She served on a number of committees at her church, and she was a District President of the Fayetteville Presbytery.

Additionally, she served on the Board of Directors of the Hoke Civic Center and was on the board of the Raeford Chapter of the North Carolina Symphony. She also served as an officer of the Hoke County Arts Counsel.

Joan is survived by her son, John and his wife Suzanne; her grandsons, Jonathan and his partner, Bailey, Glenn and his wife, Jordan; great-grandchildren, Jones, Jennings, Jameson, and Gracie.

The Balfour family would like to give a special thanks to Joans Caregivers, Vivian Gibson, Sheila Kittrell, and Lisa Carroll. They would also like to recognize Pruitt Health Hospice and Palliative Care for all of the excellent care they provided.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm at Lumber Bridge Presbyterian Church, 400 N Fayetteville Street, Lumber Bridge NC, 28357.

A Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 pm with an immediate burial at the Lumber Bridge Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lumber Bridge Presbyterian Church Music Department.