“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

Joan Winn Phifer was born in Clarksville, Tennessee to Joe Allen Winn and Elise Link Winn on November 3, 1943.  Her family was always at the forefront of her mind, and she truly knew that it was more blessed to give than to receive. Her generosity knew no bounds, for she was a loving mother and grandmother and just a beautiful soul who would help anyone. She is survived by her children Matthew Phifer(Cindy) and Jodi Phifer Hastings(Le), her grandchildren MaeLynn and Andrew Hastings, Reed and Colt Phifer. She is also survived by her siblings Lou Burns, Ann Winn, and Joe Allen Winn Jr. in addition to several nieces and nephews. Her role as a mother displayed her qualities of unconditional love, strength, and generosity that extended beyond her immediate family and encompassed a wide network of loved ones.

Joan was a social butterfly, thoroughly enjoying the comradery of her close friends as she engaged in her regular and varied community functions. She was someone who enjoyed the thrill of everyday adventures and was accustomed to being well-traveled, having been able to see much of the world at a young age due to her father’s Naval career. After his retirement, the family returned to Clarksville where Joan attended and graduated from Clarksville High School. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Austin Peay State University.

Joan exhibited a thirst for knowledge and modeled the wonder of knowing. She was a lifelong learner and believed that everyone, regardless of age, was capable of the same.  Her career path began as a teacher in Physical Education. She later became the Adult Literacy Coordinator for Montgomery County, Tennessee. Adult Literacy was Joan’s passion and her most rewarding endeavor. She continued this work when she went on to join the Steck-Vaugh Book Company as a Sales Representative and eventually became their Vice President of Marketing.  She was passionate about reading and suffice to say, her nose was frequently in a book with a glass of wine.

Joan retired to her favorite place, which was the Outer Banks in North Carolina.  She loved experiencing God’s creation outdoors, spending much of her time walking and lounging in a chair at the Ramada where she could look out over the ocean while soaking up the sun. She was loved by all that knew her and the room was better because she was in it. She was zealous about sharing life’s joys with those who joined her as she made her way through it.  Joan was a leader among her peers and within her community and church family.  She belonged to organizations that strived to make a difference in the world, in order to leave it a better place than she found it. This included being a Deacon and Elder in the church, volunteering in the afterschool program as a tutor, a member of the National Retired Teachers Association, as well as many other different boards and committees within the community.  Joan prioritized finding joy in life and sharing it with others, the family asks that you do the same – go out and do something that brings you real joy and share it with those around you. If you feel so moved, reach out and tell us about it – or another joyful time shared with Joan!

Joan passed away on December 8, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 24, 2025, at 11:00 am at The Outer Banks Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow at the Ramada Plaza Nags Head Oceanfront. Hotel reservations can be made at the Ramada Plaza as well under Joan Phifer Celebration of Life, 252-564-7222.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Employees Holiday Fund at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (4560 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23464), to honor those who took such great care of Joan.