Joan Berman Burwell

Joan Berman Burwell, age 92, Jackson, MS, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025, in the home she loved. Born in Atlanta, GA, on July 9, 1933, Joan grew up in Lexington, MS, where she met the love of her life, Dudley Sale Burwell. Together, they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage, raising a family and creating a life filled with joy, devotion, and adventure.

Joan and Dudley initially made their home in Indianola, MS, where they raised five children: Lana Burwell of Birmingham, AL, Dr. Dudley Burwell (Niki) of Gulfport, MS, Dr. Joel Burwell (Lisa) of Gulfport, MS, Todd Burwell (Dana) of Madison, MS, and Troy Burwell (Cathy) of Johns Creek, GA. She was a proud grandmother to 14 grandchildren: Sale, Josh, Joseph, Carter, Thomas, Robert Ross, Anna, Jacob, Mary Hannah, Will Peyton, Cate, Will, Rihanna, and Alana, 7 great-grandchildren: Brooklyn, Wells, Jace, Jocelyn, Landry, Julian, and James Ann, and 1 great-great-grandchild: Aliana, and loved by many special nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Joan is survived by her family and friends above; her brother Bob Berman (Sondy) of Boca Raton, FL; her sister Brenda Guercio (Jake) of Indian Springs, AL; and her devoted and loving caregiver of 15 years, Terry Parker of Jackson, MS. She was preceded in death by her husband Dudley and her parents, Joe and Fay Berman.

Joan lived life to the fullest. She was truly one of a kind. She and Dudley enjoyed traveling, cooking, golf, bass fishing, riding in her convertible BMW Z3, and most of all, time with family. Her home was her sanctuary, especially the pool and courtyard she and Dudley designed and built. Joan loved swimming and famously completed 60 laps on her 60th birthday - a testament to her strength, spirit, and determination. Joan’s legacy of love, resilience, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Service Details - Visitation: Sunday, December 7 at 1:00 PM; Location: Temple Beth Israel, 5315 Old Canton Road, Jackson, MS; Funeral Service: Immediately following at 2:00 PM; Graveside Service: Odd Fellows Cemetery, Lexington, MS.

Memorial Contributions - In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children’s Hospital of Jackson, MS and/or The HEALEY ALS Platform Trial – Massachusetts General Hospital