Joan Castle

Joan Elizabeth O'Mary Castle passed away at home on May 3, 2025, after a brave and graceful battle with ovarian cancer. She was 78 years old.

Born on November 9, 1946, to Robert and Helen O'Mary, Joan was raised with enduring values of faith, kindness, and perseverance. She was preceded in death by her parents, whose guidance and example deeply shaped the woman she became.

Joan was a proud graduate of Winfield High School, where she graduated at the top of her class. She attended the University of Alabama, focusing her studies on becoming a teacher, and later earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English from Mississippi University for Women. Her dedication to education was more than a career, it was a calling. Over decades of teaching, mostly in Chattanooga, TN, Joan inspired and guided countless children. Her classroom was a place where learning and joy coexisted, and she often said, "In my class, you can have fun and learn, too." Even after retirement, she continued to teach while living on Smith Lake, always finding ways to share her love of language and knowledge.

Joan was the beloved wife of Bud Castle, her best friend and life partner of 57 years. Their marriage was a beautiful example of devotion, patience, and deep affection. Throughout their lives together, Joan and Bud served faithfully in several churches, most notably in the church library ministry at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Curry, AL. In later years, after moving to Homewood, AL, to be closer to their children and grandchildren, they became members of Shades Mountain Baptist Church.

Joan was a devoted mother to her twins, Karlton Castle (Celia) and Kristen Johnston (Latta), whom she cherished and supported with unwavering love. One of her greatest joys came from her role as grandmother, loving and celebrating her grandchildren: Anna Johnston, Cooper Johnston, Ellie Castle, and Finn Castle.

She is also survived by her friend and loved sister, Diann Barrett (Jamie), and many nieces and nephews who adored her. Joan was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She cherished people and had a gift for making others feel seen, valued, and loved.

Joan lived a life rooted in love-for her family, her students, her church, and all those blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Visitation will be held at Currie Jefferson Funeral Home in Hoover, AL, from 9-10am followed by a service at 10am on May 8, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to The Gideons International (https://www.gideons.org/) or to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/).