Joan Fay Churn

Joan Churn Obituary Joan Fay Churn (nee Josenhans), age 89, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025, in Joppa, Maryland. Born on June 7, 1935, in Baltimore, Maryland, Joan lived in a life rooted in faith, family, and service to her community.
A proud graduate of Bel Air high Schools Class of 1953, Joan began her professional journey as a clerk at the Maryland State police Benson Barracks. After dedicating her early years to raising her children, she returned to the workforce as a bookkeeper for several businesses and later served as a tax preparer for H & R Block. Her attention to detail and commitment to helping others made her a trusted presence in every role she held.
Joan was deeply devoted to her family. She shared 67 loving years of marriage with her husband, Frank S. Churn, Sr., and together they raised three sons; Craig Colburn; Frank Churn, Jr., and his wife Judy Dee; and David Churn and his wife Marjorie. Her legacy continues through nine grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren who brought immense joy to her life.
Faith played a central role in Joans life. She was an active member of Mountain Christian Church before becoming a longtime member of Grandview Christian Church in Fallston. Over the years, she taught numerous Sunday School classes, sharing her love of the Bible with multiple generations and leaving a lasting spiritual impact on those around her.
Joan also gave generously of her time beyond the church walls. She served as a 4-H leader for Harford County and was a life member of the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Her dedication to community service reflected her generous spirit and unwavering commitment to helping others.
In quieter moments, Joan found joy in puzzles of all kinds-crossword puzzles, word searches, and especially jigsaw puzzles. She was an avid reader of historical fiction and loved to visit Ocean City.
She was preceded in death by four sisters and one brother.
Joan Fay Churn will be remembered as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose warmth touched many lives. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her. A memorial service will be held on June 7, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Grandview Christian Church. 2022 Fallston Road, Fallston, Maryland 21047.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or Grandview Christian Church Missions.
In addition, the family would like to thank the staff at Gilchrist Hospice for providing wonderful care to Joan in the final moments of her life. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joan, please visit our Tree Store.