Joan McMillan

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Donna “Joan” McMillan, age 77, of Carthage, Missouri passed away January 20, 2021, at Maple Tree Terrace, in Carthage, MO.

Joan was born October 26, 1943 in Lamar, MO to George Washington Bays and Lela M. (Wright) Bays. She attended Lamar High School and went on to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. in 1961 she married Robert “Bill” Watson, and together they had two children. They later divorced. On December 22, 1982, Joan married Bobby Rex McMillan in Miami OK, and he preceded her in death.

Joan worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse and had additional extensive training. She worked as a company nurse for Butterball for over 20 years, where she made many friends with the worker. She loved riding, training and showing horses throughout her life. Joan also loved spending time with her family and was an excellent cook.

Survivors include one daughter Sharon Elliott and her husband Charley; one brother and his wife, Bob and Ann Bays; three grandchildren Dena Munoz, Brandie Mayes, and Alana Hill; nine great-grandchildren; two nephews, Dan Bays, and Dr. Dale Bays; and three stepchildren, Robert McMillan, Natalie Burrell and Peggey McMillan.

Preceding Joan in death were her parents; her husband, Rex McMillian, an infant son, William Dale Watson; one brother, Don Bays; and one sister, Linda Bays.

There will be a private service with burial in Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Contributions are suggested and made payable to the Alzheimer's Association in care of Daniel Funeral Home.