Joan Warren, 80, passed away Saturday, November 7, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center. She was born on Monday, August 5, 1946, to Jean and Ira Willard Agent in Philadelphia, Mississippi.
Joan married Rhea Warren on July 22, 1967. She was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church. She had a strong faith in Jesus and those she loved felt it. She was a woman who truly lived in her faith.
Joan dedicated 24 years of her life to shielding, nurturing, and educating the youth of northeast Mississippi. In 1981, Joan stepped into her leadership role as the Executive Director of the Church After School Association (C.A.S.A.) in Tupelo, assuming the position shortly after the organization’s inception. Under her guidance, C.A.S.A. expanded from a modest initiative into a vital community lifeline. Joan was a fierce advocate for working-class families, operating under the firm conviction that no working parent should ever have to choose between financial stability and safe, loving childcare. After retiring from C.A.S.A. in 2005, she opened her own daycare Imagination Station.
Beyond her professional achievements, Joan’s hands were rarely still. She possessed a deep love for sewing, crocheting, and crafting, creating beautiful pieces that reflected her patience and creativity. She also shared a vibrant, joyful life with her husband, Rhea Warren, until his passing in 2017. Together, they spent countless weekends traveling and participating in regional BBQ competitions with his team, The Passionate Porkers, making lifelong friends along the smoke and grills.
Above all, Joan’s greatest joy was her family. She deeply loved her two children, seven grandsons, and her two precious great-granddaughters, who brought immense light and laughter to her later years.
Her legacy will forever be cherished by her surviving family, her son, David Warren (Sharon) of Guntown; daughter, Angela South of Tupelo; seven adored grandsons, Cody South (Samantha) of Tupelo, Jesse South of Tupelo, Aidan Warren of Starkville, Bryson Warren of Guntown, Dawson South of Tupelo, Kaelin Warren of Jacksonville, Florida, and Wyatt South (Meagan) of Fulton; and two great-granddaughters, Rhealeigh and Ellie Kate of Tupelo.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Rhea Warren; mother, Jean Aaron; step-father, Charles Aaron; father, Willard Agent; and brother, Don Agent.
The family will receive friends and celebrate Joan’s life during a time of visitation from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 10, 2026, at Pegues, Tupelo. Pegues Funeral Directors have been entrusted with the care of Mrs. Joan’s arrangements.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Wyatt South, Cody South, Jesse South, Dawson South, Aiden Warren, Bryson Warren, and Kaelin Warren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Mrs. Joan’s honor to either of the following charities that represent her life’s work and the care she received, Church After School Association at 1242 South Green Street, Tupelo, MS 38804, or Health Care Foundation of North Mississippi at 830 South Gloster Street, Tupelo, MS 38801.
Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made to www.peguesfuneralhome.com.
