Mary Joan Major

Mary Joan Major, known as Joann by all who loved her left her family on October 3, 2024, to be received into the loving arms of God. She was born Mary Joan Tawes on April 2, 1935, in Charleston, SC. She attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, Bishop England High School and St. Francis Xavier Hospital Nursing School in Charleston, SC.

Joann was the second oldest of five siblings and spent her childhood and early life on the beaches of Charleston, having fun with her many friends. She dreamed of becoming a nurse and joining the Air Force, but her life took a detour when as a young nurse she met a medical student at the Medical College of South Carolina named Jack Major. They were married at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on August 30, 1957, in Charleston, SC. She then embarked on an adventure that would span 32 years as a US Army wife and mother to six children. Jack and Joann would travel to Germany and many posts in the continental United States and Hawaii. Along the way Joann made friends and impressions on countless individuals. Joann was always smiling and laughing. People were drawn to her open and easy-going personality. She was genuinely interested in other's stories and people often confided in her. No matter the setting, Joann knew no strangers. She would strike up a conversation with anyone she encountered, and by the end of the party or plane trip she would know an individual's life story.

Joann was a devoted Army wife and mother. She tirelessly provided stability to her family during the many transfers to Army posts. She packed up the home, supervised movers and was always game for the next adventure. Once transferred, she always created a warm and inviting home. The Major household was lively and always a gathering place for friends. Her children learned that often their friends came to the house to see "Mrs. Major." Joann thrived in the chaos and action.

Joann endured tragedy and heartbreak throughout her life with grace and courage. She suffered the unimaginable loss of her beloved Joan Elizabeth. She stared cancer in the face and beat it. No matter what difficulty she faced she never stopped smiling and never lost her love for life. Joann leaves a hole in the lives of her family and all who were touched by her over nine decades of life. We are grateful for the time that we had with her but will miss her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Creston and Mary Tawes, her brother Creston and her daughter Joan Elizabeth. She is survived by her siblings Kay Ellen Cox, Warren Tawes (Sandra Tawes) and Mary Ann Finch; her husband John Major, her children Donna Miller (Randy Miller), John Major, Jr (Gloria Major), Mary Correa (Sean Sporbert), Katherine Major (Gordon Smith), Allen Major (Lesa Hatley-Major) and Michael Major; her grandchildren Ashley Major-Rhodes, Anthony Correa, Brittney Major, Brianna Montgomery, Callie Walther, John Major III, Aidan and Erin Gough-Major, Dallin and Wyatt Smith and Danielle Brown; her great grandchildren Kayden Montgomery, Elliot Major-Hailes, Townes and Mary Agnes Rhodes, Sadie Correa, Oliver Smith. and John Edward IV.