Lessons from Joan Howard’s Memorial Service

Attending Joan Howard’s memorial service was a moving reminder that sometimes, the most powerful stories about a person are the ones you discover through the voices of others. I knew Joan only in her later years, as she lived with Alzheimer’s—a chapter that, while marked by grace, meant I never fully met the vibrant woman so many remembered. Yet through the stories shared that day, I learned profound lessons from her legacy.

Again and again, friends and former church members stood up to share how Joan and Daniel Howard opened their home to young people. Their house was a second home for many—a place of warmth and belonging. Joan would put them to work in the kitchen, helping with meals and cleanup, not as a chore, but as a way to make them feel like part of the family. In the process, she gave them more than just food; she gave them confidence, responsibility, and a sense of being truly valued. Many said they preferred being in the Howard home over their own. Joan’s example reminds me how important it is to invest in the lives of young people. Simple acts of care and hospitality can leave lifelong impressions. Who is a young person you could invest in? Who might need you in their life?

Another lesson from Joan’s life was her remarkable gift for bringing people together. It was said that you hadn’t really experienced a church social until you’d attended one that Joan helped plan. She was the life of every gathering—quick to notice when an event lacked energy, and even quicker to turn it around. Whether by pulling out board games, organizing group activities, or simply encouraging everyone to join in, Joan transformed ordinary occasions into cherished memories. She believed fellowship should be fun and had an infectious way of making everyone feel included and uplifted. People shared how they didn’t want to go home afterward—many staying until after midnight, still laughing and enjoying the time together.

What stood out most at her memorial was the sheer number of lives Joan touched. The crowd was a testament to her love for people and her commitment to community. The comments shared weren’t just about what Joan did, but about who she was: someone who made others feel seen, valued, and loved.

I left Joan’s memorial with both gratitude and conviction—grateful for her legacy, and convicted to live a life more like hers. Joan embodied the abundant life that Jesus spoke of in John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” She lived that abundant life by making the lives around her brighter.

May we all take up the challenge to live more abundantly—to open our homes, invest in people, create moments of joy, and love with purpose.

You can watch Joan's memorial service here;