JoAn Stevens Adair's Obituary
JoAn Stevens Adair of Memphis, Tennessee passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 16, 2026 at the age of 91. A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, JoAn was born in Duncan, Oklahoma on December 31, 1934, the daughter of the late Emigene Taylor Stevens and Iva Stevens. She grew up in Roswell, New Mexico, where she met the love her life, Frank Houston Adair. They married in 1953 and moved many times before settling in Memphis.
JoAn became a Christian at an early age and never wavered in her faith. She worked as school nurse at Winchester Elementary, served as PTA president, YMCA board member, and Red Cross volunteer for many years, teaching CPR throughout the city. JoAn was an artist and active member of the Memphis Tole Painters Society and a tenured member of the Kennedy Book Club. She was a wiz with a sewing machine, making clothes, decor, and heirloom quilts for family and friends. One way she shared her artistic talents was teaching an arts-and-crafts class at the Bethany Home for unwed mothers. JoAn and Frank enjoyed dancing with Spurs ’N Saddles Square Dance Club and traveling the country in their camper van. Spending time at their cabin in Crested Butte, Colorado and exploring the mountains brought her and Frank much joy.
Nine years ago, JoAn and Frank moved to Kirby Pines LifeCare Community, where she was surrounded with good friends and caring staff. When asked, she said her greatest joy was her and Frank’s family of four children, twelve grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. Her kindness, positivity, sweet spirit, and love for people will be remembered along with her lightning wit. She never met a stranger. No matter her circumstances, JoAn put a smile on her face. We celebrate her life and her love for the Lord.
JoAn Stevens Adair was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Paul and Jimmy Stevens, and her husband. She is survived by her sons Doug (Susan), Greg (Genetta), and Steve (Melissa); daughter Michelle Adair Webb (Scott); grandchildren Danny (Jen), Joanna Adair Hull (Matthew), Houston (Kyndra), Steven Bryce (Alexis), Austin Cline, Drew, Mason Culkin, Will (Andrea), Lydia Adair Byrd (Calen), Carter Culkin (Lauren), Meredith, Kate Webb; and great-grandchildren Jack, Ashley, Katie, Jackson Hull, Brandtley Hull, Avery, Cora, Camilla, Riley, Charlie, Benny, Hayden, and his sister to be born in October.
A memorial service will be held in the Kirby Pines LifeCare Community chapel on August 1st at 1pm. To send condolences, please visit JoAn Stevens Adair Tributes. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
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