Joan Bowen Melvin, 80, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, at her home in Murphy.
Joan has been a full or part-time resident of Murphy for more than 35 years. She was always happiest when in Murphy, and it is here she shall stay.
She was lovingly surrounded by Michael, her husband of nearly 60 years; and her two wonderful children, Lauren Kahn of Orlando, Fla., and Alex Melvin of Asheville.
Joan was born at her home in Mulberry, Fla., but she and her family moved to Mount Pleasant,Tenn., and lived there until her return to Lakeland, Fla., when she was ready to enter Junior High School. It was there that she met her future husband and a great love story began. They married in 1961 and this union produced the joy of their lives, Lauren and Alex.
Joan’s post graduate degrees were a BA from the University of Florida and a JD from Nova Southeastern Law School, where she graduated at the top of her class, all while managing to balance a full and quite happy family life.
After graduation from Law School, she successfully practiced civil and business law with her husband until she decided to retire to devote full time to her family. The law suffered by her loss, but the family did not.
She is survived by her husband and two children, and six well loved and loving grandchildren. These are Samantha, Jordan, Brandon and Carly, Lauren’s children, and Madelyn and Tyler, Alex’s children. Also, she is survived by two incredibly loving and supportive “additional” children, Brian, Lauren’s husband, and Brandi, Alex’s wife. She is also survived by her ever so supportive siblings, Carol and John, and their spouses.
She was predeceased by her mother, Evelyn Sweat Bowen, and father Floyd Bowen, and her older brother, Floyd Bowen Jr.
God may never reach perfection again in creating children; however, we think He came as close as possible in creating Joan, the most kind, always caring for others, and loving person imaginable. Look for the shooting star jutting back skyward and the bolt of lightning headed up. That will be our beautiful inside and outside and wonderful Joan. Your mother and father and brother will be waiting with open arms. I will be along soon and our romance will continue forever.
A memorial service will be held at a time to be announced later.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society, directed to cure of leukemia, would be appreciated by the family.
You may send tributes to the Melvin family at www.townson-rose.com.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.