Joan Morris

The late Joan Holt Morris departed this earth on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Joan was born to the late Mack and Edith Marie Holt on Monday, April 29, 1946.

She attended Johnson Elementary School and graduated from Cameron High School, home of “The Mighty Panthers,” in 1965. Joan went on to attend Tennessee State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology in 1970.

Joan accepted Christ into her life at an early age at Olivet Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, where her late grandmother, Melissa Norman, was a member. She later joined Gospel United Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. John Thomas Easly later Rev. Harold Robinson. There, she served faithfully for many years in the choir and as the director of the youth ministry. Her spiritual foundation was a vital part of her life, and in time, she returned to Olivet Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Michael Cousins. She remained a faithful member, eventually serving on the Mothers Board until her health declined and she was physically unable to attend.

Early in her professional career, Joan worked for the Metro Board of Education’s Pupil Personnel Department as a social work assistant for over 10 years. She later served as a medical social worker at the former Clover Bottom Developmental Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Joan then worked as a Medical Social Services Specialist and Care Coordinator within the Children’s Special Services Division, helping families access medical services for their underage children. She served families across Robertson and Cheatham Counties until she formally retired in 2011 after a dedicated 30-year career.

Though she described herself as an introvert, Joan often said it was her role as a medical social worker that helped her “come out of her shell — and she’s been talking ever since.” In her spare time, she loved to sew and cook for family and friends.

Joan leaves behind three devoted children to carry on her memory and legacy: Grady Morris, Edmund Dewayne (Tosha) Morris, and Valarie Lynn (James) Williams. Her cherished grandchildren are: Edmund Dewayne Morris Jr., Zion Raziel Morris, Arie Yasmeen Williams, Jorel Alexander Williams, Kylie Allison Morris, and Sutton Alvis Morris. She also leaves behind one great-grandchild, Princeton Chance Morris.

Joan is survived by her devoted stepmother, Louise Holt, and her loving siblings: Donna Marie Jones, Tonna Michelle Dancy, Larita (Alphonso) Woodland, Debbie Thomas, Jerome Luther (Connie) Holt, and Anthony Reynolds. She also leaves behind a host of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends, including her devoted sisters-in-law Sandria Kay (Carl) Cotton and Audrey Holt as well as cherished friends Florence Rice, Brenda Williams, Stephanie Tate, Helen Timberlake, Alma Fuqua, and Rosetta Puckett.

She is preceded in death and welcomed into Heaven’s gates by her loving parents, Mack Holt Jr. and Edith Marie Holt, as well as her older brother, Mack Holt III.

Throughout her life and career, Joan was a steady and faithful presence to everyone in her care. She was always there to hold your hand, cheer you on, and fill your life with joy and laughter. In times of need, she brought comfort to hurting hearts and uplifted spirits with her boundless compassion and warmth.

Though we can no longer see her radiant smile, we know she still walks beside us—just as she always did—before her spirit left her physical body. We may no longer hear her voice, but she left us with these words to carry in our hearts:

“While you can’t visibly see me with human eyes, you can still speak to me in spirit—and I will reply in kind.”

Joan wanted each of you to remember the love she shared so freely. That love will never fade, and the memory of it will remain in our hearts forever. Please keep the Morris family in your thoughts and prayers.