Joan Frances Washington

Joan Washington, age 83, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, wife, and friend whose warmth, kindness, and strength touched everyone who knew her.

Joan had a passion for family, cooking, decorating, furniture, and planning gatherings that brought people together. For more than 30 years, she dedicated herself to the furniture business, where she helped others create warm and beautiful homes. Her passion for design became a lifelong career, and she was admired for her kindness, knowledge, dedication, and strong work ethic.

She found great joy in cooking and bringing family together around the table. Her home was always filled with love, comfort, and care, and her family remained at the center of her life. Joan treasured every moment spent with those she loved, and her memory will live on through the warmth she brought into people's homes and hearts.

Joan is survived by her sons, Joseph Washington (Tina) and David Washington; daughter, Leigh Karagas; grandchildren, Alexandria Karagas, Stephanie Koch (Gary), Victoria Karagas-Andrews (Toby), Olivia Karagas, Danielle Washington, Laura Cordova, John Miranda (Hannah), Cody Hobgood, Rebecca Hobgood, and Hallie Hobgood; along with 13 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lyle Mahutga; mother, Stella Mahutga; husband, Richard Washington; son, Ricky Washington; and son-in-law, John Karagas.

A service honoring Joan's life will be held on Thursday at 12:00 PM at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will begin Thursday at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Blount County Animal Adoption Center, reflecting the deep care and compassion she always had for animals.