Joan Smith Mashburn

Joan S. Mashburn, an incredible mother, avid golfer, accomplished artist, lover of life, full of charm, filling those around her with laughter and loved by all who met her, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 28, 2017.

Joan - pronounced Joanne - was born on June 28, 1923 in Anna Maria, Florida. She grew up during the Great Depression, but like most young children, never knew what she didn't have. She had three siblings, Janet, Buddy and Jack and their adventures read like a Swiss Family Robinson novel. Their youth consisted of a one room school house, sandy roads, bare feet and bathing suits, a love of the sea and their stories enchanted our family with tales of adventure and laughter.

The summer of 1943, on a trip to Black Mountain, she met and fell in love with Lee Mashburn, a naval fighter pilot. She knew the day she met him that she would marry him and she did the following year. They were a match made in heaven, where he has been patiently waiting for her. They had two children, David Mashburn, married to Gina of Concord, NC and Joanie Mashburn of Charlotte, NC. A niece and nephew, Sarah Decker (Chris Decker) and John Laws and two great grandchildren Aliya and Elijah Decker and her beloved kitty, Peppercorn. All who miss her dearly!

Joan was an avid golfer, and as recently as three weeks before she passed away, had a golf club in her hand sending her ball straight down the fairway! You just had to line her up and let her go. She and Lee were members of Carolina Golf Club for over 50 years where friendships flourished and they shared their love of the game. She had three holes in one and played 18 holes up into her early 90's. If we can share one of her antidotes of wisdom, it was "never tell anyone how old you are, because that's how old they will treat you”. She was ageless!

She was an accomplished artist in all mediums, but mostly watercolor and pastels and she was one of the longest standing members of the Charlotte Art Guild. Each painting told a story of somewhere or something she had experienced and she loved to share those experiences, not only in her paintings, but with the stories behind them. And oh, how she loved to tell a story.

She will be deeply missed by those who knew her, but the family hopes that you will celebrate her life and not mourn her loss. There will be a Celebration of Life to be announced at a late date in lieu of a visitation and service. They would also like to say a special thanks to Angie, her primary caregiver, and Hospice of South Charlotte for their tender loving care. Thank you to all those that knew and loved our mother. Your stories with her have enriched our lives with laughter because with her every day and every story started and ended with a smile!

Please consider a donation to the Humane Society of Charlotte, Hospice & Palliative Care - South Charlotte or a charity of your choice with her in your thoughts.