Joan McPherson

Joan McPherson, 88, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, in Glen Rose, Texas. Born June 13, 1937, in Fort Worth Texas, Joan was the daughter of Ina Mae Horne and Jefferson Davis Horne, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Col. Orville "Mac" McPherson, and her brother Lt. Col. J.D. Horne. Joan is survived by her four children: Kim Barrenchea (Gary), Lauren Naylor (Glen), David McPherson (Marianne), and Jeff McPherson (Donna); 11 cherished grandchildren: Amy, Jimmy, Gabe, Sydnee, Taylor, Zach, Samantha, Bailey, Morgan, Samuel, and Alexandra – and their spouses; as well as 10 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Joan was the ultimate military wife and mother. Through frequent moves and Mac's overseas deployments, she provided strength, stability and love for her family. As her children grew older, she began carving out her own professional path-building a career in accounting and computer technology when the field was still in its infancy. She attended North Texas State College and Texas Christian University. Military life took her to many places, including Shreveport, LA; Omaha, NE; Montgomery, AL; Arlington, TX; Dayton, OH; and Redlands, CA. In retirement, she and Mac made new homes in Abilene, TX; Pinehurst, NC; Granbury, TX and lastly, Glen Rose, TX. They loved taking road trips, visiting children and grandchildren, and enjoying the journey along the way. Joan was a remarkable woman-an exceptional self-taught cook, seamstress, artist and athlete. As a child, she was an accomplished tap dancer, performing with her brother. In college, she was a barrel racer and rode with a precision horseback team. She excelled in golf, bowling, and loved playing bridge. She had a gift for creating beauty-designing and crafting window treatments, pillows, quilts, and handmade purses. She sewed clothes for herself, daughters and grandchildren and painted whimsical, horse-themed artwork for her family using oil, watercolor, acrylic and charcoal. Her cooking, though, was legendary. She had a gift for transforming any ordinary recipe into something extraordinary-her meals were always memorable and made with love. Joan was beautiful, generous, creative, loving, and nurturing. She was honest, funny, and always full of great stories. Her parenting style was classic-- "wait 'til your father gets home" –but her children always felt supported and deeply loved. She was truly one of a kind. In her later years, Joan faced the cruel realities of Alzheimer's disease, which ultimately caused her death. Though these years were difficult, they do not define the incredible life she lived or the profound impact she had on everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed, and her absence leaves an immense hole in the hearts of all who loved her. Joan will be laid to rest alongside her husband Mac at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. A service will be held at 10:30am. on Monday, June 30th, 2025, at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Joan's memory to the Alzheimer's Association or to a charity of your choice.