Joan Uptagrafft passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday May 9, 2023, surrounded by her immediate family. Joan was born March 25, 1940, in Scooba, Mississippi to John Roy, Sr. and Mattie Virginia Dugan Lanier.
Joan graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Mississippi State University (MSU) in 1962. Her first job out of college was with Martin Marietta in Orlando, Florida. After working for a couple of years, she returned to MSU to get her master’s degree in mathematics. Upon completing her master’s degree, she moved to Huntsville, Alabama about 1966 where she worked for Boeing, Sperry Rand, and Chrysler. In 1975, she met Dewitt, and they were married at her parents’ home in Scooba, Mississippi on April 6, 1979. In 1980, she interrupted her career to move to the New Orleans area when Dewitt’s job took him there. Her son, David, was born while they lived in Louisiana. After two years in Louisiana, Dewitt transferred back to Huntsville. Joan stayed home to care for David until he was 10 years old. In 1990, she began working part time for Mitchell & Gauthier Associates with a work schedule that allowed her to be home when David’s school day ended. She retired in 2000 to spend more time with her aging parents.
Joan was predeceased by her parents, Roy and Mattie Lanier, and a brother, John Roy Lanier, Jr. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Dewitt Uptagrafft; her only child, David Dewitt Uptagrafft, and his wife, Brooke; her two grandchildren, Claire and Jackson Uptagrafft; and one brother, Robert Calhoun “Cal” Lanier who lives in Scooba, MS.
Joan was an excellent cook and flower gardener. She was a good seamstress; she occasionally made dresses for herself and her granddaughter. She frequently hemmed slacks and dresses for family and friends. She also replaced many buttons for Dewitt who always seemed to be losing shirt buttons.
Joan enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She and Dewitt also enjoyed traveling and sightseeing. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 13th at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral will follow in the chapel with Brother Mike McLemore officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
