Joan Marie Beattie April 18, 1939 – November 11, 2025

With grace and peace, Joan Marie Beattie, age 86, of Lawton, Michigan, passed away on November 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, loyalty, and quiet strength.

Born on April 18, 1939, in Hartford, Michigan, Joan was the cherished daughter of Stanley Ivan Briggs and Florence Ruth (Frye) Briggs. She grew up surrounded by family in Hartford, graduating from Hartford High School in 1957—the same year she was proudly named first runner-up in the Miss Hartford Pageant. Even then, people were drawn to her gentle beauty, sincere heart, and easy smile.

On November 4, 1960, Joan married her soulmate, David Lee Beattie, at Stockbridge United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo. Together they created a life grounded in love, partnership, and devotion. Their years spent in the Hartford and Kalamazoo areas were filled with family, friends, and the simple joys they found in one another’s company.

Joan worked for Bell Telephone Company before beginning a long and dedicated career with Brunswick Corporation, where she oversaw the production of school furniture. She retired after nearly 30 years of faithful service. Outside of work, Joan poured her heart into the Order of the Eastern Star, serving proudly as a member and Past Grand Matron of Corinthian Chapter No. 123.

Joan’s interests brought her so much joy. She loved gardening, tending to her flowers with the same care she gave to the people in her life. She enjoyed bike riding and became a remarkably skilled golfer, a talent she discovered with the help of her husband. She also had a fun-loving competitive streak, especially when playing poker or Texas Hold ’Em during her casino visits.

With family, Joan was endlessly loving. With friends, she was loyal, steady, and always ready to listen. She had a warmth that made people feel at ease, and a gentle spirit that made everyone grateful to know her.

Joan is survived by her brothers Jack (Sandy) Briggs and Harry Rasmussen III; her sister-in-law Charlene Briggs; many beloved nieces and nephews; and her special girlfriends Myra and Sandra — friendships she treasured deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers William (Martha) Briggs and Stanley Briggs; her sister-in-law Judith Rasmussen; and her beloved dog, Digger, who brought her so much companionship and joy.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor her beautiful spirit and the love she shared so freely.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Joan’s guestbook and/or share your favorite memory with his family.

Joan’s family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 649-1697.