Joan Shinn Segrest

Joan Shinn Segrest passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, March 9, 2022, after a long illness. She was 85. Born on April 7, 1936, in Sylacauga, she was a longtime Montgomery native and a graduate of the University of Alabama, where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. She also earned graduate degrees at the University of South Alabama and AUM and studied law at Jones Law School. An artist, she was known for her love of books and painting. As a mother and grandmother, she was the family’s rock. As a member of the community, she was involved in many causes, from Great Books Discussions to the League of Women Voters to youth baseball, serving as Southern League president when her sons played. Homebound due to COPD in her final years, she never lost the twinkle in her eye or her sense of humor. And when her sons visited, she’d break out a legal pad of questions to discuss current events, great books and how Nick Saban’s latest recruiting class was coming along. As a young mother, she stood firm on the plans to integrate Tuskegee High School, even though that led to numerous anonymous threats late in the night via telephone. As she matured, she became a loving grandmother and great-grandmother who never lost her playfulness and eccentricities (she was a Southern artist, after all). She was predeceased by her parents, John Alexander and Rowena Langley Shinn. She is survived by her sister Patsy Shuttleworth; sons, Doug Segrest and John (Melodie) Segrest; her daughter and loving caretaker Patty (Jim) Smith; grandchildren Tammie Smith, Ashley Sayers, Rachel Vilate (Jason) Reid, Jacob Smith, John Alexander (Amanda) Segrest Jr., Michael Segrest, Shelby (Christian) Kendrick, Brad Segrest, and Bo Segrest; and 13 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Curtis and Son North Chapel with Rev. Charles Sims officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.curtisandsonfh.com.