Joan Traughber

Joan Wheeler Traughber was born June 17, 1938 and went to her home in eternity June 22, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents Madison Wheeler and Vera Mae (Atwood) Wheeler and her husband of 22 years, Ed Traughber. She graduated from Franklin-Simpson County High School in 1956 as Valedictorian.

She has one son, Jim Traughber (Cindy) of Franklin, KY. Two grandsons, Jamie Traughber (Kim) of Louisville, KY and Joey Traughber (Caitlyn) of Bowling Green, KY and 5 great-grandchildren - Olivia, Sam, Liam, Jay and Finn.

Joan worked for several establishments in Franklin as a bookkeeper and/or sales clerk including: Sullivan’s Department Store, Herman Copeland Feed Mill, Ky-Tenn Grain Company, Young’s Department Store and Homestead.

Joan (aka Mama, Mama Joan or MJ) was active in her church as a Sunday School teacher and deacon’s wife. She carried on the role of a deacon’s wife long after cancer took Ed from her, by sending cards of encouragement to the sick, making phone calls, visiting people in the hospital and funeral home. She carried meals all over the country to reflect the love of Christ to people who were hurting. She was also an accomplished seamstress, who enjoyed sewing for many friends, family and for herself over the years. She was Jamie’s and Joey’s biggest fan through youth and high school sports and as they matured and started families of their own, her love and support grew to include the new people in her life.

Joan was a Prayer Warrior. Her relationship with Jesus was personal - I mean sitting in the chair across the room, personal. Joan told of many conversations with her Lord.

She was so proud of her family. When Joan first met you and started a conversation, it wasn’t long before she would ask - Do you know Jim?? He runs Traughber Mechanical. Do you know Cindy?? She’s Bobby Keith’s daughter. Do you know Jamie?? He’s a lawyer in Louisville. Do you know Joey?? He’s a mechanical engineer at Traughber Mechanical. She always wanted to make a connection - it might take a while but she’d keep on until she made one.

She loved to listen to Christian music, especially, the song by Mercy Me, “I Can Only Imagine”. She doesn’t have to imagine anymore. She’s with Jesus.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM with interment to follow in Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin, KY.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Calvary Baptist Church c/o Future Growth, P.O. Box 393, Franklin, KY 42135-0393. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory. The website is www.gilbertfhonline.com. The Facebook page is Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. The obituary phone line is 270-586-8844.