Joan Elaine Yearwood

Yearwood, Joan Elaine Ringeisen, 68, passed away February 11, 2013 following her brief courageous battle with cancer. Born in Fairmont, MN, she also lived for a time in Salem, OR and El Paso, TX, before moving to Knoxville in 1967. Joan worked for over 24 years in the banking industry including local banks, Volunteer State Bank and First American Bank. Before illness curtailed her employment, she worked at the Lewis King Krieg Waldtrop, P.C. law firm for over 20 years. Although she was not born in Tennessee, she embraced the true volunteer spirit serving many organizations throughout her life. She was selected Woman of the Year of the Knoxville Chapter of American Business Women Association in 1984. Joan was cofounder of the Norwood Neighborhood Watch founded in 1995, serving as secretary of the Norwood Home owners for many years. She completed the Knox County Sheriff’s Citizens Police Academy and the Knoxville Citizens Police Academy volunteering for many years with the Knoxville Police Department. Joan took up the cause for Eddie Eagle, a children gun safety program sponsored by the East TN Area Friends of NRA, and served as the organization’s secretary. Joan was an amateur radio operator and made many friends around the world while doing so. Joan graduated from high school in MN in 1962, but was adopted by The Powell High Class of 1962 as one of their own. Joan always found good in everyone she met. She was a good wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend who touched the lives of many while on earth. Joan was greeted at Heaven’s gate by her father, Eldon Ringeisen; parents-in-law, Howard and Bernice Yearwood. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Jim; mother, Mae Ringeisen; sister, Carol (Gary) Ruch of South Beach, OR; brother, David (Sharon) Ringeisen, Salem, OR; brothers-in-law, Herman (Susie) Yearwood, Sweetwater, TN, and Jack (Teresa) Yearwood, Knoxville, TN; nephews, Brian Ringeisen, Chad Yearwood, Josh Burkhart; nieces, Melissa Ringeisen, Christy (Mike) Burkhart, Carol (Chris)Thompson, Kenzi Yearwood; and many friends too numerous to list. Graveside services will be held February 14, 2013 at 1:00 pm, at Greenwood Cemetery, Tazewell Pike. Joan’s family and friends are invited to attend the Celebration of her Life at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 1705 Merchants Drive, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan’s memory to the charity of your choice or to the East Tennessee Friends of the NRA c/o Bob Jones 6114 Ridgeview Rd Knoxville, TN 37918. Joan was of the Lutheran faith and was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fairmont, MN and attended churches locally. Pastor Pauline Pezzino of Messiah Lutheran Church will officiate. Arrangements by Lynnhurst-Greenwood Chapel of Berry Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.lynnhurstchapel.com