Joan Carol Sutton

Born on September 25, 1939, Joan built her life around three unwavering pillars: Faith, Family and Friends. Her gentle spirit, kind heart and steadfast belief in the goodness of others guided everything she did. She was the one who prayed for everyone, welcomed anyone and loved without limits.

Joan was a devout Christian and woman of unwavering faith. In addition to regular attendance at services, she was very active in several other Church activities including, bake sales, charity drives as well as her long time involvement in Bible Study Fellowship. It was through bible study meetings that she developed and maintained several lifelong friends and relationships that spanned over 20 years.

Family has always been extremely important to Joan. She was always the one to foster relationships with family members that reached all throughout the country. She sought to maintain contact through cards and letters, phone calls and even visits. She enjoyed holiday get togethers, Sunday meals and lunches with family members.

Friends and friendship was a major part of Joan’s life. This became even more important after she was widowed at a young age. But Joan reinvented herself and developed friendships that gave her a new dimension to her life. She played the social director and found new and fun ways to bring the ladies together. There were movie nights, concerts and many lunches. Joan found joy and value in connection and she did so often.

For many years, Joan worked as a dedicated paraprofessional, assisting children with disabilities. Her patience, compassion and joyful presence made her a blessing to the students that she served. She retired and left behind a legacy of care, encouragement, and quiet strength. Her work with these special needs students gave her a deep sense of fulfillment.

Joan was an outdoorsy kind of girl. She loved her time at the family cottage up North in Lewiston. She tended to her garden and flowers and was especially proud of her memory garden that she made for her late husband. At the cottage, she enjoyed walks, gazing at the lake and sitting outside on a fresh cool morning having a cup of coffee. Turkey sandwiches at the Turkey Roost and the best hamburger at Talleys in Lewiston were some of her favorite memories.

Joan is survived by son Kirk Sutton, daughter Kristine Sutton (Kenneth Jurist), brother Jack Prahl (Glenda), sister Nancy Henderson (Peter) and brother Roger Prahl (Carol) brother -in- law Melvin (Butch) Sutton and many cherished nieces and nephews, and cousins. They will forever carry her love in their hearts. She is preceded in death by her parents, other dear family members and the love of her life husband Barry.

Her life was a reflection of grace, kindness, and unwavering faith. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A celebration of life with be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, visitation will be from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm and Funeral Service at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Grace Centers of Hope, Gleaners, Forgotten Harvest or Samaritan’s Purse, in her honor.