Joan Barber Falkner

HENDERSON – Joan Barber Falkner, 90, of Henderson, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, April 16, 2026. A native of Raleigh, she was born on April 21, 1935, to the late Camilla Chamblee Barber and Joseph William Barber and was the widow of John Henry Falkner. She was a graduate of Needham B. Broughton High School in 1953 and Converse College in 1957. She was a homemaker and loyal member of First United Methodist Church Henderson where she served on the Trustee Board and other official boards, the Altar Guild, as Church and Sunday School pianist, and was a faithful member of the Fellowship Class. She enjoyed serving at the Fall Bazaar, in charge of the pie sale, and was known for her delicious chocolate pies and sour cream pound cakes. She was a past member of the Henderson Junior Woman’s Club, Community Concert Association, and Nosegay Garden Club.

Joan was a kind, giving, funny, and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed a wonderful marriage to John for 62 years until his passing in 2021. They enjoyed extensive travel, time at Emerald Isle, family gatherings, and attending sporting events and performances of their eight grandchildren. Joan loved her family dearly and was happiest when she was surrounded by them. She was always gracious, generous, and appreciative of visits and acts of kindness which were shown to her.

Known for her love of bright colors and beautiful flowers, Joan decorated her home for every season and holiday. She enjoyed her lovely yard, filled her house with fresh-cut flowers, and was always eager to share flowers with others. She also played bridge for many years, where she enjoyed friends, fun, and fellowship.

She is survived by her two sons, John Henry Falkner, III (Elizabeth), and Joseph Elvin Falkner (Julia), and her daughter, Mary Falkner Ross (Paul); all of Henderson; eight grandchildren, Cameron Scott Falkner (Sydney), John Byron Falkner (Alex), Mark Seybert Falkner, Joseph Coleman Falkner (Sara), Rebecca Falkner Scott (Frank), Brooks William Falkner; Mary Hannah Ross Weiner (Scott), and Haley Ross Borden (Will), 12 great-grandchildren Allie Grace Falkner, Collins Falkner, Wilson Falkner, Grady Falkner, Emerson Falkner, Henry Falkner, Elijah Scott, Lizzie Scott, John Weiner, Ross Weiner, Bill Borden, Bo Borden; a sister-in-law, Dottie Barber and a nephew, Joe Barber; and 6 great nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Joan was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph William Barber, Jr.

The family would like to extend special gratitude to Queen Coleman, Ruby Venable, Pam Edwards, Linda Henderson, Shanetta Henderson, Tonya Small, Roy Burroughs and Tammy King for their loving support and care. The family would also thank Joyce Thompson for being her loyal friend and hairdresser for 67 years. Joan rarely missed her standing hair appointment on Fridays at 9:00 AM.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, on Wednesday April 22, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, officiated by Charles Cook. Inurnment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.  The family will receive friends in the church Fellowship Hall from 1:00-2:00 PM immediately prior to the service. Everyone is encouraged to wear bright colors to the service in Joan’s memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for local missions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 114 Church St., Henderson, NC 27536.