Joan Bell Williams

Joan Bell Williams, age 87, entered into the Lord’s loving arms on August 29, 2024.

Joan was born in Athens, GA, on January 22, 1937. She was the daughter of Horace and Charlene Bell. She graduated from Athens High School and attended the University of Georgia for two years. She then married C.M. Pippin, Jr. and moved to Albany, GA. It was said, “Joan went from city girl to farm girl.” Her second marriage was to Hubert Williams. They lived in Albany for 35 years, then moved to Givens Estates in Asheville, NC, in 2011. Their grandchildren in Asheville were ages 6 and 4 at the time, and Joan was thrilled to be able to watch them grow up. Joan and Hubert were so thankful to be able to attend many special events together for each of their grandchildren until Hubert passed away in 2019. They went on many fun trips and cruises over the years. They took the children, spouses, and grandchildren on a wonderful Alaskan cruise, and everyone enjoyed the beautiful scenery and wildlife. It was a very special trip.

Joan was greatly loved and admired by her family and friends. She was fondly known as “Mimi” to her six grandchildren. She will be remembered by her children and grandchildren for the unconditional love and generosity she showered on them throughout her life. Her giving spirit extended well beyond her family, and she blessed many with her generosity. She loved giving gifts to others. One of her favorite pastimes was writing birthday cards to her friends, both old and new. Her favorites were comical cards which she picked out when her daughters took her shopping. Another favorite pastime was to decorate for all the holidays. Joan had an extensive collection of holiday decorations for every season.

Joan had a quiet, but strong faith. She knew the abundant and redeeming love of her Savior, Jesus Christ. She continued to follow her faith throughout her life, attending Covenant Presbyterian Church in Albany, First Presbyterian Church of Asheville, and most recently, the Chapel at Givens Estates.

Joan is survived by her daughters, Trina Lawrence (Stephen), of Athens, GA, and Leah Harding (Chad), of Asheville, NC; her stepson, Michael Williams (Jennifer), of Salisbury, NC; and her grandchildren, Taylor Lawrence (Nicole), of Charleston, SC, Graham Lawrence, of Marietta, GA, Reid Williams, of Albemarle, NC, Allison Williams, of Greenville, NC, Maya Harding, of Asheville, NC, and Conrad Harding of Asheville, NC. Also surviving are her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Sue Williams, of Gainesville, GA and several special nieces and nephews.

Joan’s memorial service will be held in the Norma F. Pullman Chapel of Givens Estates on September 14, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., with the Increment of Ashes to follow. The family will receive visitors at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory may be made to Asheville Buncombe County Christian Ministries (1845 Brevard R. Arden, NC 28704 / www.abccm.org). There are seven ministries from which to choose.

The family would like to send their deepest gratitude to the numerous employees of Givens Estates who cared for Joan so well during her 13 years of living there.