Joan Smith Warren, 89, of Huntsville, was peacefully received by Jesus on January 17, 2023. She was born in Ft. Worth, Texas in 1933, but grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she attended the historical Central High School and met her future husband, Jim Smith.
Jim and Joan moved to Huntsville, AL from Dallas, Texas when Jim entered the Space Race as an engineer at Brown Engineering. With two daughters and one on the way, Joan immediately joined in the Blossomwood area activities and made lifelong friends and bridge buddies.
Blessed with a love for art, painting, decorating, and all things creative, Joan was the ultimate dedicated mom adding her talents to school projects and dances, props, costumes, and Brownie/Girl Scout troop leadership. She served as a Gray Lady at First Avenue Hospital, PTA member/President, substitute teacher, Cosmopolitan Club member/President, Docent at The Weeden House and deeply loved Young Life, where she was employed as the secretary, and chaperoned on a Young Life Western Tour.
As an empty-nester, Joan’s interests broadened. She studied accounting and stock market investing, and found a deep love for Huntsville history, antiques and home restorations in Old Town/Five Points. She served with the Historic Huntsville Foundation and helped in the preservation of Harrison Brothers. In a recommitment to her faith, Joan joined Central Presbyterian Church, serving as a Deacon, helping with the nursery school, Freeman House and her special love, the Cooper House.
A true self-starter, Joan opened a bookkeeping business, antique shop and created and founded the original Fudgey Nut Brownie Factory from her own recipes. She dearly loved her family and friends, was a fabulous cook, competitive game/card/bridge player, and had a mischievous sparkle with the beautiful ability to laugh at herself. Joan also loved the beach, sunshine, blue skies, and gardening.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Grace Spurney Hammond and Edward Spurney; ex-husband, James Benton Smith, and husband, William Bonner Warren.
Joan is survived by her three daughters, Susan Blair (Billy) of Birmingham, Cathy Gamble (Bob) of Huntsville, and Carrie Garrett (Marty Cliff) of Johns Creek, Georgia; and a legacy of seven beloved grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, who have inherited her endearing talents. She will always be in our hearts.
The family wishes to thank Huntsville Hospital and the “Heaven on Earth” care at Hospice Family Care.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Central Presbyterian Church, 406 Randolph Avenue, Huntsville, AL. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m., the service to follow at 2, and a graveside service at 3 p.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Presbyterian Church and Hospice Family Care, 10000 Serenity Lane, Huntsville, AL 35803.
