Joan S. Young's Obituary
Mrs. Joan Marie Young (née Stanley), age 79, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025 in Marietta, Georgia - the same city where she was born on August 21, 1946. Her life began and ended in Marietta, but the legacy she leaves behind stretches far beyond.
Joan was a proud graduate of Marietta High School, Class of 1964, and later attended Kennesaw State Junior College. She dedicated part of her professional life to serving others through her work at Kennestone Hospital. But Joan's true vocation was found not just in her career, but in the way she lived—with fierce love, unwavering strength, and a spirit that refused to be dimmed.
Though blindness took much of her sight for many years, it never took her vision. Joan saw the world with a clarity that few possess—she saw what was right, what was fair, and what was worth standing up for. She carried her upbringing with both humor and wisdom, and lived boldly and unapologetically. In moments unseen by most, she revealed the depth of her character: resilient when faced with adversity and protective of those she held dear.
Her marriage to Joe Young spanned an extraordinary 53 years—a testament to enduring love built on partnership and patience. Their bond wasn't perfect, but it was real and steady. They cared for one another every day with quiet devotion. Even as her health declined, Joan's thoughts remained with Joe –always worrying about who would look after him when she no longer could. That selflessness defined her.
Joan is survived by her beloved husband, Joe Young of Marietta; her daughter, Kimberlye Cole and son-in-law Andy Cole, also of Marietta; her siblings, Judy Calbert, Jean Scisson (spouse, Bob), John Stanley (spouse, Sharon), Steve Stanley, and Cathy Sims; along with many other beloved extended family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her sister, June Shelton; mother, Mary Bagwell Stanley; and father, Leonard Edward Stanley.
In every way that mattered, Joan was the strong one—the anchor in the storm. She embodied resilience and unconditional love. She taught those around her that even when life is unfair, there is still beauty worth holding onto.
If you remember anything, let it be this: the strength that ran through her veins and the love that lived in her heart.
A funeral service honoring Joan's life will be held Saturday, October 11, 11:00 AM at Davis-Struempf Chapel with Rev. Hal Cole officiating. The family will receive friends before the service from 10:00 to 11:00 AM.
Interment will follow the service at Mountain View Park Cemetery.
May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.
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