Joan Singlaub, a woman whose life was defined by grace, resilience, unwavering faith, and a heart full of love, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, surrounded by her family at her daughter’s home. She was 91 years old.
Born in the middle of the night on August 21, 1933, on the banks of the Tennessee River in Peter’s Landing, to the late Sophia and James Thomas Lafferty, Joan entered the world with the quiet strength and determination that would carry her through a lifetime of challenges, adventures, and joy. Named after Joan of Arc, she lived up to her namesake—not through grand battles, but through daily acts of courage, kindness, and steadfast love.
Joan loved Jesus with her whole heart, and her faith guided every step of her life. She embodied grace, gratitude, and a servant’s spirit, always offering encouragement, kind words, and a reminder of God’s goodness—even in life’s hardest seasons.
She was also a proud American who deeply loved her country. Joan was devoted to honoring the men and women who served, especially her beloved husband, Major General John K. “Jack” Singlaub, who preceded her in death. She wore her flag pin as a quiet but powerful symbol of her patriotism and unwavering support for Jack’s service and sacrifice.
Joan’s greatest joy was her family. She never missed a chance to say how much she loved being with them, often calling her grandchildren her “precious princesses and prince.” To Joan, precious wasn’t just a word—it was how she viewed people, moments, and the blessings of life.
An exceptional cook who could make a soup out of anything, Joan loved entertaining and hosting, filling her home with laughter, warmth, and good food. She was present at every milestone—weddings, babies, holidays—making sure those she loved felt celebrated and cherished.
A gifted seamstress, Joan continued creating beauty with her hands until her final weeks. She had a passion for travel, especially alongside Jack, sharing adventures told in a voice always bright with excitement.
She was also a gifted orator, known for her heartfelt speeches and captivating storytelling. Joan poured her heart into researching her family roots through the Yarborough family line and was proud to be a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Washington, D.C.
In her final chapter, Joan was surrounded not only by family but by caregivers who became like family, each touched by her constant gratitude and loving spirit.
She is survived by her children and step-children: Ira Jo “Jody” Ball (Charles), Debra Satterfield, Sara Guest (the late Dixie), Lis D’Antoni (Michele), John Singlaub (Sydney Coatsworth), and Mary Ann Singlaub; and her brother, Tom Lafferty (Brenda).
She was a proud and loving grandmother to: Rachel Hughes (Stephen), Emily Reig (Adam), Sophia Becker (Jacob), Robert Sanders, Katherine Baker (Davis), Niki Singlaub (Cassi Dixon), Aneka Sweeney (John), Laura D’Antoni (Alex Vaos), and Emily Finne.
Her great-grandchildren, who brought her endless joy, include: Jackson, Chandler, and Willa Hughes, Ethan and Alex Reig, Greyson and Hannah Singlaub, Corbin Sweeney, Alina Vaos, Connor Lynch, William and Alyssa Patriarchi.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 3rd at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee. Visitation will begin at 1 PM, with the service following at 3 PM.
She will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery alongside her husband.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joan’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org, or to Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) at www.breakthrought1d.org.
Joan leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and a reminder to cherish every precious moment—to serve with grace, to love without limits, and to always find beauty, even in life’s hardest chapters.
This obituary was published by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home Directors.
This obituary was published by Obituaries provided free for the community.
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