Joan Emily Atwater

Joan Emily Atwater of Waynesville, Missouri (formerly Binghamton, New York), passed away peacefully at Saint Louis University Hospital on June 12th, 2024 at the age of 69 surrounded by her loving family.

Joan was born in Braddock, PA on February 4th, 1955 to Norton and Hazel Brock. She spent her childhood growing up in Binghamton, NY. She then fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a mom by welcoming Andrea Dawn (1977), Christy Joy (1980) and Aimee Marie (1982). After traveling the world, Joan then returned home where she met the love of her life, Jonathan Atwater, in 1995 and married on January 17th, 1996. Then in 1999, they started "baby heaven" with the birth of her fourth daughter Mikaela Ruth, 6 months later her first grandson Gavin Michael and then 6 days later her first granddaughter Emily Elizabeth was born. Her heart and home grew bigger after the births of her next 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Carter Steven Brock (2001), Isabela Mariana (2002), Sarah Michelle (2003), Halie Catherine (2007) and Aaron Alanzo (2008). Aurum Henry Wayne (2023) and Weston Allen (2024).

Joan lived life to the fullest, enjoying traveling, bowling, gardening, cooking, decorating, boating, but most importantly being with family. She also had a love for her puppies and her grand-pups. Her favorite moments are poolside with family and friends while cooking out and making memories.

Joan is survived by her loving husband Jonathan of Waynesville, MO and her proud daughters Andrea (Steven) Webster of Glens Falls, NY; Christy Russell of Princeton, NC; Aimee (Ricky) Rodriguez of Waynesville, MO and Mikaela Atwater (Anthony Fronek) of Endicott, NY. She is also survived by her pride-and-joy grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be missed very much by her sister Evelyn [Bob] Vincent of Norwich, NY and her brother Roy [Melissa] Brock of Apalachian, NY, and her too-many-to-list but each individually adored nephews, nieces and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her father Norton Brock, mother Hazel (Sanders) Brock, sisters Hazel Bebermeyer and Norma Patrick, who welcomed her with open arms and songs of joy.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 from 12-3pm at The Relief Pitcher in Binghamton, NY. We ask that anyone who attends, please consider wearing anything with sparkles, as Joan was a very glitz and glamor kind of woman.

For those who would like to honor Joan by making a donation in lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the American Liver Foundation in remembrance of Joan. Donations can be made on their website: https://liverfoundation.org/ . A basket will be available for donations the day of the service.