Joan was born and raised in West Virginia, where she developed a lifelong love of learning, reading, and family. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Library Science from George Peabody College, an accomplishment that reflected the intelligence, determination, and strength that would define so much of her life.
Joan and her late husband, Billy Jones, made their way to Michigan, where they built their home, raised their family, and she obtained another Master’s +15 at Western University, and established their careers. Throughout her life, Joan was a woman of strength and character, but above all, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Her family was her greatest joy and her proudest accomplishment. Joan was the kind of mother and grandmother who was always there. She never missed an important milestone, celebration, accomplishment, or moment in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her love was steady, unconditional, and unwavering. She had a way of making her family feel supported, cared for, and deeply loved.
She was a very proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Being a grandmother and great-grandmother brought her immense happiness, and she cherished every moment she was able to share with them. Her love, guidance, stories, tea parties and traditions will continue to live on through each generation.
Joan had a wonderful curiosity about the world and loved to travel, read, and spend time with the people she loved. She was also a proud member of Eastern Star and the Daughters of the American Revolution, organizations that reflected her appreciation for tradition, service, history, and community.
Joan leaves behind a beautiful legacy not only in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, but in the countless moments of love, encouragement, strength, and wisdom she gave throughout her 93 years. She taught her family by example what it meant to be strong, caring, loyal, and always present for the people you love.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Burbridge Buckey Hurley and Audra Jane Hurley; her late husbands, Billy Jones and Donald Alsever; and her brother-in-law, Walter Holcomb.
She is survived by her spouse, James Billups; her siblings, Carol Holcomb and Dwight (Jean) Hurley; her children, Teresa Jones and Roy (Donna) Jones; her grandchildren, Amanda (Scott) Propson and Nicole (Scott) Piper; and her great-grandchildren, Braylon, Hunter, Penelope, Iyla, and Colton.
Though her family will deeply miss her presence, Joan’s life is one to be celebrated. Her love will remain in every family gathering, every story shared, every book opened, every journey taken, and in the hearts of the generations she loved so fiercely.
She was a mother who was always there, a grandmother who was endlessly proud, and a great-grandmother who treasured the family she helped build.
Her greatest legacy is love and that is a legacy that will never be forgotten.
Visitation Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm, with a 7:00 pm, Eastern Star and Daughters of the American Revolution Service, at Kaul Funeral Home 28433 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48081.
Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, beginning with a gathering at 10:00 am, until time of service at 11:00 am, at the funeral home.
Joan will be laid to rest at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Livonia, Michigan following the service at the funeral home.
