Joann Beeler Bridges

Joann Beeler Stephens Bridges, Born May 28, 1932, on the family farm near Maynardville, TN in Union County passed away at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center on the 9th of June 2025. The twin daughter of Clyde Willis “Buck” Beeler and Inez Lay Beeler, Joann’s twin sister, Joyce, was still born and was buried in the Beeler family cemetery.

Joann graduated from the Horace Maynard High School Class of 1951. In high school, Joann was a member of the National Honor Society, lettered in basketball, and was on the team that won the district championship. She was always proud of her high school class and the close contact they kept through the years.

In September, 1951, Joann entered the East Tennessee Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, receiving her diploma in September, 1954. After taking state boards and receiving her R.N. license, she worked as a registered nurse for two years at East Tennessee Baptist Hospital before becoming the office nurse for fourteen years for the late Daniel Davis, MD. Joann was absent from nursing for a few years while her children were young. She resumed her nursing career being employed by Hillcrest Medical Nursing Institute for 25 years, retiring from her nursing career in 2004.

Joann was always proud of her family, the nursing profession, and her cherished friends. She was an avid reader, enjoyed time spent in her garden and time with family and friends. Joann was a former member of Nave Hill Baptist Church and present member of Valley Grove Baptist Church.

Preceding Joann in death was her husband O.D. Bridges; beloved parents, Buck and Inez Lay Beeler; her brother Robert “Bob” Beeler; her infant sister, Joyce; and her cherished daughter, Cynthia “Cindy” Ann Stephens Cassell; grandparents, William and Rebecca Capps Beeler, Oscar and Ida Monroe Lay.

She is survived by brother, William Douglas (Kathy) Beeler; sons, Jim (Elizabeth) Bridges, Doug (Jo Ann) Bridges; daughter, Sally (Jim) Ashworth; grandchildren, Jason (Bridgette) Cassell, Aaron (Chandler) Ashworth, Kellsie (Casey) Stockwell, Alan Ashworth, Kirstie (Samantha) Bridges, Reese and Lillie Bridges; great-grandchildren, Quinn and Ellis Cassell; Sadie, Sophie, and Sutton Stockwell, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends, including neighbor Lamar Jackson.

Family and friends will gather to honor the life of Joann with a graveside service at Pleasant View Cemetery, 310 TN-61, Maynardville, TN 37807, on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 10:00 am. Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Bridges family at www.berryfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in honor of Joann to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Remote Area Medical, 2200 Stock Creek Blvd, Rockford, TN 37853.

Berry Funeral Home

3704 Chapman Highway

Knoxville, TN 37920

865-577-6666