Merita Joan Miles Agee, a beacon of unwavering faith and selfless love, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2024, at the age of 86 in Jonesboro, AR. Born on November 7, 1937, in Paragould, AR, to the late William Howard Miles and Jewell Smith Boggan, Joan’s life was a testament to her enduring spirit and her capacity to nurture those around her.
Joan grew up in a warm household and was preceded in death by her father, William Howard Miles; Mother, Jewell Smith Boggan and her brother, Jack Miles. Her life was rich with the joy of raising her family and the rewards of her professional career. She is survived by her loving sons, Perry Lashley and Phillip Lashley; her cherished daughter, Dana Franks Butler (Dinnon) of Jonesboro, LA; her devoted brothers, Bill Miles of Nashville, TN, and Alvin Dale Boggan of St. Louis, MO. Joan’s legacy continues through her adoring grandchildren, Nick Lashley and Ashley Butler McCoy (John), as well as her treasured great-grandchildren, Addie Lashley, Clarke McCoy, Collins Kaye McCoy, and Koy McCoy. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, friends and family who will miss her dearly.
Professionally, Joan dedicated many years of service as a Dietary Manager at a local Nursing Home, where her passion for nutrition and care for the elderly was evident to all who worked alongside her. Her colleagues admired her for her diligence and her warmth, and she was respected by all for her leadership and expertise.
Joan’s faith played a central role in her life. She was a long-time member of the 2nd & Walnut Church of Christ and later found spiritual fellowship at Village Creek Church of Christ. Her dedications to her faith community was unwavering, and she could always be counted on for support, wisdom, and a kind word.
Cooking was one of Joan’s greatest joys, and her kitchen was the heart of her home. She delighted in preparing meals for her family and friends, and her recipes will be cherished and passed down for generations. Joan also found pleasure in the simple things, like getting lost in a good book or watching her favorite old westerns. These moments of quiet reflection were a source of comfort and contentment for her.
Those who knew Joan would describe her as faith-filled, loving, and selfless. She had an innate ability to make each person feel special and cared for. Heer presence was a source of stability and love, and her influence will be felt for years to come.
As we bid farewell to Merita Joan Agee, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a legacy of love and faith that will forever be imprinted on the hearts of those she touched. While we mourn her passing, we also rejoice in the knowledge that her spirit lives on in the memories we hold dear and in the lives of her beloved family.
Her life will be honored in a service that reflects the depth of her faith and the breadth of her impact on those who were fortunate enough to know her. Merita Joan Agee’s memory will be cherished, and her spirit will continue to guide us, just as the stars guide the way through the night sky. Rest in peace, dear Joan, until we meet again.
Per Joan’s wishes there will be a private ceremony for family only.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Gideon Bibles.
You may express condolences to the family online at mitchellfuneralhomes.com.