Joan (Leysath) Waugh

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Joan was born to the late Elizabeth Rivers Leysath and Jacob Leysath Jr. in North, South Carolina on March 22, 1944. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Thurmond “Bub” Leysath in 2018. Joan was a devoted wife to her husband of nearly 50 years; the late Danny Franklin Waugh Sr. She was also a proud and devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon Saturday, May 31, 2025, at North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church with Rev. William Fulp, Rev. Colonel Mark Danner and Rev. Steve Snipes officiating.  Her body will lie in state in the church from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM prior to the service.  Burial will be in Mountlawn Memorial Park.  Joan will lie in state at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM Friday, May 30, 2025.  The family will receive friends at her home from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM Friday, May 30, 2025.  A Repass will be held at Beulah Presbyterian Church following the committal service at Mountlawn Memorial Park.

During her early years Joan made a commitment to follow Christ and joined Harris Chapel United Methodist Church. She graduated from North High School in North, SC, where she was described as an integral part of the basketball team and even led the team as a shooting point guard. She developed a love for cooking and caring for others as she took on the "Big Sister" role, when her mother Elizabeth re-joined the workforce. She became known for her love of hospitality, cooking and serving others.  Additionally, she learned to sew, and became an avid seamstress making clothes for herself and her family.

Joan loved her community as well as her church family, where she was a faithful member of Beulah Presbyterian Church for close to 60 years. She served in many capacities including the church choir, which was her greatest love, financial steward of the church love offering, and member of the

 “care company” service team.  She was affectionately known as Jo, JoAnn, Lady J., Mrs. Waugh, Mom, and Granny to so many that loved her. Her style, grace, loving smile and kindness extended far beyond the borders of Wilkes County. She traveled frequently and had extended families in Durham, NC, and the Evans, GA area, where she spent many holidays with her children and grandchildren. She often attended church during these visits, which was one of her greatest joys.

Joan retired at the age of 72 from Belk Corporation after 25 years of service. During her career, she cultivated numerous lifelong relationships with both coworkers and clients throughout the community. Joan also loved working out and doing lunches with her YMCA ladies as well as frequently supporting community events and fundraisers through Lincoln Heights Recreation Corporation.

Memories of her life will be cherished by her two sons, Danny Waugh Jr. (Paula) of Evans, GA and Scott Waugh (Misty) of North Wilkesboro, NC and her daughter Felicia Waugh Parks (Leonard) of Durham, NC; her two children in love from Danny Sr, Yma Waugh (Johnny) of Atlanta, GA and Dennis Miller of Detroit, MI; her grandchildren, Daniel Waugh (Charlean) of Statesboro, GA, Jayla Williams (Ronald) of Evans, GA and Amani Adams of Durham, NC; her Aunt, Elease Rivers of Grovetown, GA; her brother, Louis Leysath (June), her sister, Barbara Danner both of Orangeburg, SC, and three sisters-in-law Sophia Leysath of Orangeburg, SC, Martha Waugh Barnes and Lona Waugh of North Wilkesboro, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Ebenezer Christian Children’s Home, 1006 Byrd Ridge Road, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 or Beulah Presbyterian Church 110 Sparta Road, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

The family is grateful for all condolences, prayers and acts of kindness during this time.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

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