Joan Simpkins Jett, 84, of Radford, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024.
She was a loving and caring wife, mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother to her family and to all whose lives she touched. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, James Ohlsen Simpkins, Sr. and Maggie H. Simpkins; her sister, Trudy Simpkins Merriman; brother-in-law, Donald Merriman; and nephew, William Earl.
Survivors include her husband, Daniel Bruce Jett; daughters, Bonnie Hayes (Joe) of Radford, and Danette Jett of Blacksburg; son, Bruce Jett (Melinda) of Abingdon; granddaughters, Hillary Hayes (Blaze) of Hawaii and Ashley Sandridge (Mallory) of Richmond; great-grandchildren, Elijah, Hudson and Ryder; step granddaughters, Amanda and Ashton Bishop; brother, James Ohlson Simpkins (Sandra) of Christiansburg; nephews, Eric Hulett (Elizabeth) of Martinsburg and Jimmy Merriman (Linda) of North Myrtle Beach; niece, Sherry Lynn Vaughn (Spencer) of Roanoke; and many other relatives and friends.
She attended the school of nursing at Radford Community Hospital and Radford College. Joan furthered her education with a bachelor’s degree from Mary Baldwin. She was appointed by governors Godwin and Dalton to serve on the state board of nursing at which she served two four-year terms. Joan spent the majority of her nursing career as Inservice Director at Radford Community Hospital where she educated hospital employees and gave much of her time teaching and giving to her community. She was chairperson of the Radford City Republican Committee for 23 years. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Belcher and the kind and compassionate nurses on the surgical care floor at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center.
The family received friends Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, at The Presbyterian Church in Radford. Memorial services followed with Rev. Don Makin officiating. Graveside services will be private.
The Jett family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford.
