Joan was born on August 16, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia to A.W. and Gladys Clark. She was the oldest of three children. In addition to being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Joan was a talented watercolor artist. She was a graduate of Girls High School in Atlanta. After graduating from high school, she went to work for Coca-Cola at their corporate offices becoming the secretary for the vice-president. During this time, she went on a fortuitous blind date with a handsome Georgia Tech student, Jess Green. Joan and Jess were married in August of 1950 at Tenth Street Methodist Church in Atlanta. Jess became an electrical engineer with Georgia Power. Over the course of his career, the family lived in Atlanta, Macon, Valdosta and Columbus. Both of their children, Jeff and Jill, were born while living in Atlanta. As a stay-at-home mom, Joan was busy with volunteer activities in the schools, church and community.
Joan was active in many groups including Women of Georgia Power, her circle and Sunday school class at church, her bridge group and art associations. Joan was widowed early after the untimely death of her husband in 1982. After his death, she renewed her interest in art. Joan considered her “art group” as some of her most treasured friends, traveling with them to Italy on several occasions. She also had her beloved “birthday group” who have met to celebrate each other’s birthdays for many, many years. Joan was a member of St. Luke United Methodist in Columbus for over fifty years. In 2019, Joan moved from Columbus to Albany to live at The Oaks, an assisted living facility near her daughter, Jill. The staff of The Oaks became like family to her too.
Preceding Joan in death are her husband Jesse Stokes Green, her parents A.W. and Gladys Clark, her brother Bobby Clark, and sister Alice Rodgers. Joan is survived by her beloved children Jill Venable and Jeff Green and wife Lee. One of Joan’s most prized roles was that of grandmother or Mimi to her grandchildren Libby Muenckler (Jim), Chip Green, Dr. Laine Venable (Dr. Garrett Collins), Melissa Lee (Justin), and great-grandchildren, Ellen and Dean Muenckler. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Freddie Clark, brother-in-law, Claude Rodgers, niece and nephews Joe Clark, Beth Semasky, and Michael Rodgers, and her closest friend Linda Bowick.
The funeral service will be at 11:00 on Saturday December 31, 2022 at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary in Columbus, Georgia, with Reverend Dick Reese officiating. Graveside ceremony immediately following at Parkhill Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Remembrances may be made to, St. Luke United Methodist Church, Missions and Outreach; 1104 Second Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com.
