Joan Medford Morrison

Mrs. Joan Medford Morrison of Canton passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, January 10th, 2026, at the age of 93.

Born in March of 1932, she was the daughter of the late Joe D. Medford and Lucy E. Chambers of Iron Duff. She was the wife of Dr. Frank (Bud) Morrison for 48 years until his death in 2007. Survivors include two daughters - Lee Hall and Suzanne Supola (Miles Supola); 4 grandchildren - Jordan Hall (Zach Contreras), Alex Hall (Nick Lopez), Carson Supola and Mackinney Supola; and two great grandchildren - Jacob Contreras and Adelaide Contreras. Also surviving is her very close sister in law, Peggy Medford and her children and grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Dr. Frank C. Morrison; 3 brothers - Frank Medford, Paul Leatherwood and David Jack Medford (infant); Kevin Capati (Partner to Lee) as well as her oldest grandson, John Michael Hall.

Born in the Iron Duff community, she graduated from Crabtree High School in 1950 and attended Brevard College where she played on the school’s first women’s basketball team. She then graduated from Western Carolina University where she received a BS degree in 1954 and went on to receive her Masters in 1957. She taught school for a few years before deciding to spend more time raising her 2 daughters while still working part-time in her husband’s office. Education continued to be a priority and a theme throughout their lives together, from library visits to grammar to math. Her educator days never quite left her but left a lasting impact on the children, grandchildren and eventually her great grandchildren.

In the early sixties, she and her husband moved from Waynesville to Canton and became members of Canton First Baptist Church. As a young mother, she worked in the Bible School/Nursery and was a faithful member of the Berean - Fidelis Sunday School Class. Her faith was her foundation and she lived her life by it, attending Sunday School and Church each week and encouraging all around her to follow by example.

She had a fierce love for all animals and could often be found feeding and coaxing rescues around Haywood Country, gaining their trust and having them fall as in love with her as she was with them. While she was able, she frequently visited the Canton Police Department, and other city buildings, to feed the stray cats and kittens that found shelter there. In addition, she visited dozens of other farms and buildings where she knew homeless cats and dogs needed care, not infrequently taking them home to live out their life by her side. If reincarnation were real, coming back as one of Joan’s animals would be the dream (according to some grandkids!).

She took great pride in keeping her yard and home looking impeccable. If you happened to be driving over Terrace Drive over the years, there was a good chance you would see her out trimming the hedges, pruning her azaleas or mowing the lawn. Once she purchased a riding lawnmower, she continued her yard work until the age of 90, always proudly enjoying her independence. She loved her ferns and greenery and she was frequently watering her plants (and feeding her cats) on her back porch.

Joan, from her earlier to late years, was a frequent visitor at Silverbluff and eventually Haywood Lodge. She valued her long standing friendships immensely, for example, hosting and participating in weekly Bridge games with a close group of friends for over 50 years. While she loved all sports, she especially enjoyed watching or listening to Pisgah football. Another of her favorite weekend pastimes was watching Nascar on Sundays (after Church of course) with her late father and brother Frank up until their passing, rooting on the Ford teams!

She leaves a long legacy of kindness to all living things and will be greatly missed by everyone blessed enough to have crossed her path. She loved her community, her Church and worked as she could to make Canton the best place to live. She’ll be remembered as a loving mother, daughter, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Canton First Baptist Church (https://www.canton-fbc.org/) or FUR of WNC (https://furofwnc.org/).

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, located at Canton First Baptist Church at 2:00 pm with Pastor Court Greene officiating. Family will receive friends one-hour prior to service. Burial will follow service at Crawford Ray Memorial Gardens.

Wells Funeral Home of Canton is honored to serve the family of Joan Medford Morrison.