Joan Wright Faulkenbury

She was born on October 19, 1934, to the late Charles J. Wright and Annie Mae Ruth (Driggers) Wright in Cabarrus County. Joan was a member of Open Door Baptist Church.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Rev. Dale Faulkenbury, son-in-law, Dean Leonhardt and niece, Tonya Wright.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Cheryl Leonhardt of Hickory, brother, Rev. Nelson Wright and wife Linda of China Grove, daughter-in-law, Rita Faulkenbury of Hickory, grandchildren; Matthew Faulkenbury and wife Megan of Nashville, TN, KatieBeth Townsend and husband Jordyn of Connelly Springs, great grandchildren; Akiko, Sachico, and Yukiko Faulkenbury of Nashville, TN, Weston, Issac, Andi Kate Townsend of Connelly Springs, nephews, Lane Wright of China Grove, Chris Wright and wife Emily of SC, and niece, Janiece Ferguson and husband Gary of Hickory.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Hickory Funeral Home. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:45 until 1:45 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Shawn Davis and Rev. Nelson Wright will officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658.