Joan Ann Woods

She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and beloved Mamaw, the heart of her family. Joan graduated from Fulton High School, Class of 1956, and went on to work for many years at Sears Roebuck in the Service Department from 1968 until her retirement in 1990.

Joan loved her family deeply and cherished every moment spent with them. She was a proud grandmother of four and great-grandmother of seven, and was especially blessed to meet and hold her newest great-grandchild just days before her passing.

Her faith shaped every part of her life. Joan was married to her husband, Marvin, for nearly 70 years, a testament to her love and commitment. She was a longtime member of Lincoln Park Baptist Church and later Grace Baptist Church, where she remained active in her faith. She also faithfully volunteered with Angelic Ministries, helping prepare care packages for the homeless and assisting wherever needed. Her favorite hymn, Because He Lives, reflected the hope and faith she carried throughout her life.

Joan found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved bowling in a league with Marvin, spending time at the casino playing slot machines with her daughter-in-law Genie, and cheering on the Atlanta Braves, especially her favorite player, Freddie Freeman. She enjoyed friendly competition, whether it was cards, crossword puzzles, Wordle, or even filling out a March Madness bracket just weeks ago. She also had a passion for genealogy and loved tracing where her family came from, something that perfectly reflected both her deep love for her family and her enjoyment of puzzles and discovery. Joan had a sharp sense of humor, loved to tease, and never met a stranger. Her warmth and joy made everyone feel at home.

She made many fond years of memories on Norris Lake, especially time spent on the family’s houseboat with those she loved most.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William “Willie” McCoy Smith and Alice Mae (Hamilton) Smith, and her sister, Daphene Draughon.

She is survived by her husband, Marvin Woods, with whom she would have celebrated 70 years of marriage this June; her brother, Bill Smith; her children, Steve Woods (Genie) and Robin Self (Terry); her grandchildren, Katie Argall (Joel), Carly Woods, Brad Self (Kari), and LeighAnne Fritts (Aaron); and her seven great-grandchildren: Sam and Charlie Argall; Merritt and Sayler Fritts; and Andersyn, Austen, and Alden Self. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Joan’s life will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home in Knoxville, Tennessee. Family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with the service to follow at 12:00 PM.

A graveside service will take place Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens in Powell, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.