Joan Smith Dickson

Joan Smith Dickson, age 94, resident of Columbus, GA, passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at home. Funeral services are scheduled at St. Luke Church on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 11:00 AM with Reverend Thad Haygood officiating. The family will receive friends at St. Luke following the funeral. Private interment to follow.

Joan Dickson, daughter of the late Elmer Lee Smith and Mattie Lou Moon Smith, was born November 28, 1930 in Columbus, GA. She graduated as valedictorian from Baker High School in 1947. Two years later, she graduated from Georgia Southwestern College, with high honors and a Teacher’s Diploma.

In 1949, as a new bride and teacher, Joan began the pursuit of her lifelong desire to teach. Throughout her long career, she continued advance studies including a BS, MS, and Specialist in Education at Columbus College. She retired in 1993 and soon thereafter, became involved with Muscogee Retired Educators Association (MREA) and Georgia Retired Educators Association (GREA). She served in many ways and held various positions, including President of MREA 1998-1999. She was a consistent promoter of these organizations and their efforts.

In addition to being a dedicated teacher, Joan treasured being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed gardening, flower arranging, and sewing. She was a longtime member of St. Luke Church and of the Fellowship/Jesus is Lord Sunday School Class.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Eugene Dickson, her parents, and her sister and two brothers. She is survived by her son, Steven Eugene Dickson (Donna) of Smiths Station, AL; two daughters, Louann Dickson Young (Jeffrey) of Franklin, TN and Amy Dickson Ward (Rob) of Columbus; six grandchildren, Drew Dickson (Hailey), Adam Dickson (Lindsey), Hannah Asay (Klayten), Abby Powers (Robert), Robert Ward (Sigourney), and David Ward (Valerie); eleven great-grandchildren; and, other well-loved relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Luke Church, Memorial Maintenance Fund, P.O. Box 867, Columbus, GA 31902 or Macular Degeneration Association at MacularHope.org.