Barbara "Joan" Edwards King, age 82

Barbara "Joan" Edwards King, age 82, of Rutherfordton, NC, died Thursday, March 16, 2023.

She was born May 4, 1940, in Portsmouth, VA, and was the daughter of the late Louise Keeter. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Al King, and sister, Dale Edwards.

She graduated from Harris High School and from Western Carolina University with a B.S. in Education.

Joan was a member of the First United Methodist church of Rutherfordton.

Joan was a public school teacher for 27 years and was named Rutherford County Teacher of the Year, received the Tanner award for Excellence in Teaching, and was inducted into the Rutherford County Schools Education Hall of Fame. Joan continued her love of working with students by being a McNair Mentor for many years after she retired from teaching. Joan was also the owner of the Picnic Basket Restaurant and King's Kreations Flowers.

Joan loved her community and took advantage of every opportunity to serve, including being on the board of directors of Hospice, Isothermal Community College Foundation, Rutherford Arts Council, Rutherford Hospital, and Rutherford County Sports Hall of Fame. Joan also served on the Board of Trustees for Isothermal Community College and the Rutherford Hospital Legacy Foundation. She received the Governor's Award for Volunteer of the Year, Rotary Club Ernie Ross Award for Community Service and Relay for Life Service Award.

She was blessed with two children: Jeff King of Rutherfordton and Ginger King Dannemiller (Pete) of Lexington, KY, three granddaughters. She is also survived by her brother, Donald Ray Edwards, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The Celebration of Life Service was held at the ICC Foundation March 21. Rev. Ed Hillman and Rev. In-Young Lee officiated. Interment of the ashes was private at the First United Methodist Church Memorial Garden with Rev. Tonya Hill officiating.

In lieu of flowers please make memorials to: Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital: www.stjude.org, First United Methodist Church; 264 N. Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139, New Century Scholars; www.isothermal.edu/college-foundation/index