Joan Bagwell Jessen, a beloved mother (to her human and canine children), wife, Grandmother, great-Grandmother and friend passed away Sunday, October 8, 2023 surrounded by family. We will honor her life at a Memorial Service being held, Sunday, October 15, 2023. The service will be located at the Chapel in the Pines of Jackson Funeral Service at 2:00 PM ET. The family will receive friends at 1:00 PM ET in the Chapel.
Joan is cherished by all those who knew her. She lived 80 years filled with dancing, love, perseverance, dedication to her Lord, her family and serving others. Her generosity knew no bounds – she sponsored school children in Africa for decades, donated her time to her community, gave resources to support local animals and was a prayer warrior with a special group of friends at Mud Creek Baptist Church, where she was also an active member. In her spare time, Joan would return to the beaches of North and South Carolina to relax and
even called them home for many years. She made robust and life long connections shagging to beach music on the SC coast. Her favorite thing she found through shag dancing was her late husband Dan Wally (who passed in 2005). Joan returned to Western NC to care for her wonderful parents Katie and Lewis Bagwell until God called them home. Joan was their only child and the apple of their eyes. The world will miss Joan’s zest for life, delicious recipes and the love she so freely shared with others.
Joan leaves behind a husband John Jessen, two daughters and son-in-laws Kimberly and Eddie Bethea and Nan and Joel Foust, two step-children Jeff, Kari and Tim Jessen, three granddaughters, Katlin Barrett, Alicia “Nikki” Shuford and Rachel Bethea Lampkins (Josh), as well as three great-grandchildren, Max Burleson, Charlotte Jessen and Nolynn Shuford. We cannot forget her two puppies – Sophie and Izzy.
Rest in peace Lady, you gave so much & we will continue your legacy.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to these organizations that Joan liked:
Four Seasons Hospice
571 South Allen Rd
Flat Rock, NC 28731
Mudd Creek Church Carpenters Hands
403 Rutledge Dr.
Hendersonville, NC 28739
Please reference Joan Jessen on donations.
Condolences may be sent to the Jessen family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or C/O Jackson Funeral Service 1101 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Please include the name of the deceased on the condolence.