Joan Beck Plunkett, age 77, of Arab, Alabama, passed away at Diversicare of Arab on January 28, 2026. Joan was born October 2, 1948, in Oakman, Alabama, to James Newton Beck and Virgie Lee Carrell Beck. She was the only girl among five brothers and was always a “Daddy’s Girl.” She loved her family and pets, Alabama football, the beach, and doing a wide array of arts and crafts. She never passed up an opportunity to eat Mexican food and laugh with her family. She graduated from Hueytown High School in 1966 and worked in the account management field, most notably at Cullman Regional Medical Center and at Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, Alabama.
She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Joe A. Plunkett of Arab; son Rusty Harrison (Susan); daughters Rebecca Freitag (Mike) and Christina Markham (Jeff); stepdaughters Misty Kernop and Ann Allred; brothers James A. Beck and Douglas Beck; Sister-in-law Sharon K. Beck; grandchildren Emma Freitag, Jake Freitag, Briannah Cook, Alexandra Crosby, Zachery Kernop, Tyler Kernop, Cameron Plunkett, Josie West, Kyle Allred, Madison Goodgame, and Lindsey Dunlap; and several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family.
She was preceded in death by her parents James and Virgie, brothers Michael Beck, Ronald Beck, and Charles Beck; Sisters-in-law Brenda A. Beck and Linda Lay Beck; and granddaughters Jamie Marie Kernop and Summer McKenzie Freitag.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Diversicare of Arab for taking care of Ms. Joan for an extended period of time.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2:00pm, at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel. A visitation to reminisce, honor and acknowledge Joan’s memory will be from 1:00 pm until the service starts at 2:00. Officiating will be Pastor Chris Beck from Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Pell City, AL.
Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel assisting with arrangements.
All visitors are encouraged to wear Alabama football team fan gear to the celebration.
