Joan Scott Shankle, age 92 went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. She had been residing in Columbia, Tennessee, at The Gardens at Poplar Estates.
Joan was born to Clarence Lee and Lily Rachel Scott on September 20, 1932, in Paris, Tennessee. After graduating from Grove High School, she married George Wyatt “Sonny” Shankle. Except for a short time in Indiana, they spent their forty-three years of married life in Henry County devoted to each other and raising their three children.
Joan loved people and those fortunate to know her loved her. That was evident in the energy and commitment she poured into her family, church, work and community. She was a bookkeeper in the retail business several years before retiring from Commercial Bank and Trust Company in Paris after 26 years. Retirement allowed her to focus more on giving back to her community. For several years, she was a member of the HCMC Auxiliary holding various offices during her time as a member. She was also a member of Paris Lioness Club, volunteered at Henry County Library, served on the board of Lee School Fine Arts Council, served as treasurer of the Paris Harbor HOA, annually participated with Helping Hand and volunteered at the Henry County Chamber of Commerce. Joan very much enjoyed playing Bridge in her later years and visiting with friends. Most important to her, she was faithful in attending church and reading her Bible.
She is survived by her children, Beverly (John) Simmons of Columbia, TN, and Chris (Traci) Shankle of Paris, TN; a daughter-in-law, Diane Garrett Shankle of Paris, TN; grandchildren, Martha (Chris) West, Austin (Tara) Simmons, Kim (Joseph) Gwaltney, Ken (Kate) Rhodes, Scott Shankle, Andrew (Shelby) Shankle, Allie Jo Shankle, Julie (Jacob) Cruse, Chase (Bree Gregory) Shankle; and her great-grandchildren, Nora West, Wyatt West, Andrey West, Eliza West, Stella West, Nathaniel West, Landry Simmons, Lochlan Simmons, Lenox Simmons, Hannah (Woodrow) Young, Garrett Gwaltney, John Michael Rhodes, Landon Rhodes, EllieAnne Shankle, Boone Shankle, Sawyer Hampton, Haylen Shankle, Walker Cruse, and Trinity Shankle.
Along with her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by a son, George Michael “Mike” Shankle; and two sisters, Margaret Scott King and Doris Scott Willis.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Ridgeway Funeral Home, and will continue Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Ridgeway Funeral Home, with John Dale officiating.
Burial will follow at Walker Cemetery with Andrew Shankle, Chase Shankle, Austin Simmons, Kenny Rhodes, Joe Gwaltney, and Scott Shankle serving as pallbearers.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the East Wood Church of Christ Elders, and the HCMC Auxiliary Members.
The Family would like to extend a special Thank You to the staff of The Gardens at Poplar Estates.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eastwood Church of Christ or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.