Joan E Myers

She was born May 31, 1943 in Mobile, Alabama to Lonzo and Retha Williamson. After graduating from Byram High School in 1959, she attended Hinds Junior College. She took a break from college to get married and begin a family. She returned to school and earned her degree in mathematics from Mississippi College, after which she taught math for several years at Lanier High School.

Joan was a lifelong lover of learning, which led her back to school in 1985, this time to study law at Mississippi College School of Law. Following graduation in 1988, she clerked for the Mississippi Supreme Court, then began a long career as a Special Assistant Attorney General with the State of Mississippi. She litigated cases throughout the state for several years in her assignment with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife. She later moved to an assignment with the Mississippi Gaming Commission, retiring from there as the Hearing Examiner. Joan was respected throughout her career for her intelligence and skill. But it was her character and love of people that led to many lasting friendships with her co-workers, opposing attorneys, and the judges before whom she appeared.

Joan had many talents but was probably best known for being a fabulous cook. She especially enjoyed baking and candy making, much to the delight of her family, friends, and co-workers who regularly benefitted from her creations. And her recipes were her creations, the products of years of testing, trial, and (only rarely) error.

She was most proud, however, of her family. She was a wonderful mother who somehow retained her sanity while raising two boys. Defying stereotype, she was a great friend and mentor to her daughter-in-law, Allison, sharing her skills and secret recipes, her wisdom, and her love for beautiful things. To her three grandchildren, she was their wise and loving “Nana”. Numerous nieces and nephews, and their children, loved their Aunt Joan. She was a great friend to her brothers and her many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. For her family and friends, she never left room to doubt her love. Whether through a random note in the mail, phone call, delivery of something fresh out of her kitchen, or some other small kindness, she made sure you knew she was thinking of you and loved you. She was never without a warm, loving smile (unless you pointed a camera in her direction).

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lonzo and Retha Williamson, by her siblings, Creston Williamson, Charles Williamson, and Glenda Williamson, and by her former husband, Durwood B. Myers, Jr. She is survived by her brothers, Sollie Williamson of Mena, AR, and David Williamson (Carolyn) of Jackson; sons, Bennett Myers of Terry and Mike Myers (Allison) of Pearl; and her grandchildren, Justin Myers (Rachel) of Pearl, Cody Myers (Heather) of Denver, CO, and Kaitlyn Myers of Oxford, MS, as well as by those who considered her their surrogate mom.

Joan’s love for others was a reflection of God’s love for her, and her love for him. Her life is a witness to her faith in Jesus. She was always active in her church, which was First Baptist Church of Jackson for the last several years. She participated in mission trips abroad and helped internationals here in Jackson through the church’s ESL program. Joan Myers fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a memorial in her honor to Gideon’s International. The family would also like to thank the doctors and nurses at St. Dominic Memorial Hospital for their tireless efforts throughout extraordinarily difficult circumstances.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, a family-only service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 26, 2020, in the chapel at First Baptist Church of Jackson. The church asks that everyone wear a mask and practice social distancing. The service will be available by live-stream through Lakewood’s Facebook page.

Please visit lakewoodfuneralhomes.com for the online guestbook.