Joan Porter McMinn, age 77, passed from this life on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. She was born March 9, 1939 in Yalobusha County, MS to James Roy and Annie Denton Porter. Joan lived most of her life in Water Valley, MS with the exception of a couple of years in Marianna, AR while she was in high school. She most recently resided in Saltillo, MS with her son. Joan held a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling and was an educator for the Water Valley Schools for nearly thirty years. She taught English, Literature, and the high school gifted program. While teaching she was named Star Teacher twice, and coached winning Problem Solving Teams at the state and national levels. She served the school district as the Guidance Counselor and Curriculum Coordinator until her retirement in 2005.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2016 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley, MS. A private service will be held at a later time.
Joan is survived by her son, Kevin McMinn of Saltillo, MS; three sisters, Doris Massie of Water Valley, MS, Jan Mize of Las Vegas, NV, and Rosalind Prestage (Roy) of Madison, WI; one niece, Jane Massie of Senatobia, MS; four nephews, Stephen Prestage (Joan) of La Grange, IL, Garry Mize (Joyce) of Southaven, MS, Scott Prestage of Madison, WI, and Benjie Massie of Water Valley, MS; and a special great-nephew, Jason Chapman of Boston, MA. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Annie Porter.
The family has requested that memorials be made to LeBonheur Children’s Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 41817, Memphis, TN 38174-1817.