Joan was born April 5, 1935, to H. B. “Shine” Maxey, Sr. and Bessie Lee Creekmore Maxey in Noxapater. She was a gifted seamstress, known for creating beautiful keepsake quilts and a variety of decorative crafts, including crocheted items and intricately beaded eggs. Her passion for quilting led her to become an active member of several quilting guilds. Joan also found great joy in square dancing and was a proud member of the Flutter Wheels Square Dance Group. A true lover of flowers, she took pride in her beautiful flower beds and always enjoyed fresh-cut blooms.
Joan is survived by her daughter, Joyce Ellison (Tom) also of Noxapater. One of her greatest joys was being “Jo” to her grandchildren: Jennifer Ellison and Beau Ellison (Emily); and her great-grandchildren: Ellisa VanLierop, Jace VanLierop, Brady Ellison, Reid Ellison, and Ainsley Ellison. She is also survived by her brother, H. B. “Bud” Maxey, Jr. (Barbara); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Joan was preceded in death by her first husband, Thomas Lee Hensley; son, Mike Nance; parents, Shine and Bessie Lee Maxey; brothers, Danny Maxey and Robert Maxey; and her sister, Jean Thomas.
