Joan Ella Stone

Joan Ella Stone was born on September 4, 1941 and passed away on February 15, 2026. She was a lifelong Tennessean whose warmth, intellect, and unwavering Christian faith touched every life she encountered. A woman of deep compassion and quiet strength, Joan lived a life filled with service, adventure, and devotion to her family and her Lord.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Edward Cornette; her mother, Gertrude Arline Cornette; her identical twin sister, Joyce Arline Palmer; and her husband, James Curley Stone.

Joan is survived by her son, Daniel Patrick Stone and his wife, Carolyn; her beloved granddaughters, Sydney Quinn and Emma Genevieve Stone; her nephew, David Palmer and his partner, Adrienne Russell; and her niece, Rachel Palmer.

A lover of the outdoors, Joan found joy and peace in her garden, tending flowers, weeding, and soaking in the sunshine. She cherished long walks and the beauty of nature. Her faith was the foundation of her life-she was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ and lived as a faithful servant of God. If the church doors were open, Joan was there in fellowship. No matter where she traveled in the world, she sought out local congregations and embraced the Christian community she found.

Joan's adventurous spirit led her far beyond Tennessee. During her time working for the Department of Defense, she traveled extensively, even crossing the USSR on the Trans-Siberian Railroad from Vladivostok to Europe. An enthusiastic photographer, she captured more than 10,000 slides during that journey alone. She had visited all 50 states, completing her final state-Alaska-on a special trip with her twin sister. Above all, she loved spending time with her dear friends, her son, and especially her granddaughters, who were her pride and joy.

Academically exceptional, Joan was Co-Valedictorian of David Lipscomb High School, tying with her twin sister to the third decimal place. She went on to become Valedictorian at David Lipscomb College, majoring in mathematics, before earning her Master's degree in math from the Peabody School for Teachers (now part of Vanderbilt University).

Joan devoted more than 20 years to teaching high school mathematics before beginning a new chapter as a computer programmer for the State of Tennessee, where she worked from the late 1990s until her retirement.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Sandy Cayce of Nashville, Tennessee. Her kindness and Christlike love supported Joan and the Stone family in profound and immeasurable ways.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Joan's memory in any way that reflects her love for faith, learning, and the beauty of God's creation.

A funeral service will be held at Antioch Church of Christ (2142 Antioch Pike, Antioch, TN 37013) on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

Arrangements in the care of Klein Funeral Home.