Joan Elizabeth (Thurman) Richardson of Gerald, Missouri, was born September 11, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri; the daughter of Howard Thurman and his wife, Bessie (Chaffin). Joan passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the age of 78 years.

Joan received her business degree from Sanford Brown College and worked as a quality control agent at Gate Gourmet. She had a deep love of the Lord and attended church whenever possible. Joan enjoyed going to the casino, traveling, politics, and her religion, especially hymns. She was a kind woman with a huge heart who would open her home to anyone in need. Joan cherished the time spent with her children and grandchildren, and she will be missed by all whose lives she touched.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Bessie Thurman; and five siblings, Helen (Arthur) Murphy, John (Doris) McGowen, Dan (Loetta) Thurman, Jim Thurman, and Shirley (Don) Akers.

She is survived by three sons, Tim Neal, of Gerald, Gregory (Christina) Neal, of Rolla, and Scott (Fran) Neal, of Gerald; one sister-in-law, Marilyn Thurman; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.