Joan Gaffney Kerr's Obituary
Joan (Josephine Ann) Gaffney Kerr, 86, beloved Mom, Memaw, and friend, went to be with the Lord in her eternal heavenly home the evening of July 21, 2026, surrounded by her children at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville, TN. She was born November 7, 1939, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to the late Roderick Michael Gaffney and the late Elizabeth Cameron Nickelson. Joanie was preceded in death by her loving husband of almost 49 years, Jack Rodney Kerr and son Jack Rodney Kerr II, her brother John Roderick Gaffney, and sister Mary Jeanne Cunningham. She leaves behind two sons, Richard Michael Kerr (Melanie) of Arlington, TN, Robert Edward Kerr (Andrea) of Oakland, TN, and daughter Robin Jeanne Kerr of Germantown, TN. She leaves twelve grandchildren; Jacquelin Ann Hately (Michael), Joshua Paul Simmers, Jeremiah Samual Simmers, Jonathan Daniel Simmers, Jayne Ann Cartwright (Joseph), Joanna Grace Simmers, Josiah Michael Simmers, Jesse David Simmers (Carlos), Courtney Danielle Spellings (Drew), Madison Ann Cash (Jesse) Anna Marie Kerr, (Jay) Jack Rodney Kerr III and her grand dog Matilda Kerr. She leaves behind ten great grandchildren Adaleigh Nicole Simmers, Ava Rose Simmers, Auden Lane Simmers, Norah Blaise Hatley, Piper Ann Hately, Jameson Bear Hatley, Adalyn Ann Cash, Harrison Brooks Cash, Whitten Andrew Spellings, and Weston Michael Spellings. She also leaves her brothers in law, Jerry Patrick Kerr (Carol) and John Werner Kerr, and the rest of her Winchester Kerr family.
Joanie graduated from George Washington High School in Alexandria, VA in 1957. Following her passion to care for others, she attended Winchester Memorial Hospital’s Nursing School before graduating in 1960. As a Registered Nurse, she primarily worked in the neonatal unit at Winchester Memorial Hospital. Following graduation, she and Jack, the love of her life whom she met in Winchester, were married October 1, 1960, at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winchester, VA.
While in Winchester, four children were added to their family. She and Jack focused on raising the children with a foundation in the church and made ‘family’ a priority. She took pride in her husband and children and supported them through life experiences.
In 1971, their family moved to the Memphis area. During her years living in Germantown, TN, Joanie was a member of multiple bridge and garden clubs. She was a member of the National Society, D A R (Daughters of the American Revolution Adam Dale Chapter). She started the nurse’s station at Riverdale Elementary School where she volunteered. She taught Sunday school for 30+ years, and she was a leader at Camp Tsungani children’s camp while at Central Church. Her life glorified God and you could see all the fruits of the spirit in her life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. She not only faithfully went to Bible studies, but she lived out what she believed and that was clear to those she knew and those who crossed paths with her. Because God loved her, she loved so well.
She was the consummate hostess and loved to entertain guests. Many a friend, and family have experienced the love and hospitality of Joanie Kerr. Whether it was a friend over for tea, bridge club, holiday parties, swimming parties, or ‘Camp Memaw and Bubba’ for the grands, she created an environment of love, joy, and a sense of belonging.
Joanie made a point to send cards to friends and family for all kinds of occasions and each would have a Bible verse just for that person at that time in their life. Until the last few years, she remembered so much, was quick to call, get a gift or send a letter in the mail for any occasion. She made sure to let people know she was thinking of them and they were loved. She kept greeting cards in business.
She could not only propagate a leaf into a beautiful plant, she helped her children and grandchildren grow into who they are today through her unconditional love, unwavering support, and countless prayers. Her love for plants, tea parties, books, faith and family will live on through her family as a sweet legacy.
She was brave, encouraging, and forever had a serving heart. Her main focus in life was her faith in the Lord and her family. To know her was to know love and to speak to her was to learn a new Bible verse in each conversation.
Her life verse was Isaiah 46:4 “I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age, I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” “My determined purpose is to be my utmost for His highest-my best for His Glory” - Joan Kerr
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 11:00am in the Fireside Chapel at Memorial Park Funeral Home with visitation prior beginning at 10:00am. Entombment will be at the Memorial Park mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Reynold’s Hospice House in Collierville, TN.
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