Joanne Morgan McMichael

Joanne Morgan McMichael, age 85, of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, surrounded by her family. In her final years, she resided in Nashville, Tennessee, at Brookdale Senior Living in Green Hills.

Joanne was born on July 22, 1940, in Rome, Georgia, to Mr. John and Mrs. Eola Morgan and grew up in Cave Spring, Georgia, just across from the family dairy farm. She graduated from Rome High School, continued her education at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and graduated from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where she was a proud member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

Soon after college, Joanne moved to Atlanta and began working at Merrill Lynch. It was there that she met her future husband, William “Stewart” McMichael Jr. When they learned that dating a fellow employee was discouraged, Joanne simply transferred to another Merrill Lynch office so their romance could continue. Their love story soon led to an engagement and marriage in October 1966.

The couple began their life together in Atlanta, where they welcomed their two children, daughter Merrill and son Stewart. After a brief time in Athens, Georgia, the family settled on Lookout Mountain, where Stewart managed the Merrill Lynch office in Chattanooga and Joanne began the work that would define her life—devotedly raising her family.

Joanne flourished as a wife and mother, embracing the privilege of caring for her family with remarkable dedication. She lovingly placed the needs of her husband and children above her own and gave them the gift of her time, energy, and heart. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Her generous spirit extended well beyond her home into her community. Joanne volunteered for many years at the Ronald McDonald House, served on the board of the Houston Museum in Chattanooga, and supported her children’s schools and church with her time and talents.

Joanne had a creative spirit and a deep love for the beauty of nature. She especially enjoyed creating beautiful flower arrangements for friends and special occasions. Her passion and talent led her to earn the designation of Master Flower Judge Emeritus. She was also a member and past president of the Lookout Mountain Beautiful Garden Club and a lifetime member of the Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs.

Everyone who met Joanne was touched by her warm smile, joyful laugh, and genuine kindness. No one left her home empty-handed—friends might go home with a bag of pecans or a freshly baked pound cake, while her children were just as likely to receive a

helpful magazine clipping or a little money tucked into their hands with instructions to “go have a nice dinner.” Giving brought her genuine joy, and she shared what she had freely with family, friends, and her community. Generosity was her love language, and she left an indelible mark on all who knew and loved her.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, William Stewart McMichael Jr.; her brother, Jack Morgan; and her twin sister, Susan Morgan Cunningham.

She is survived by her daughter, Merrill (Hank) Stoppelbein of Franklin, Tennessee; her son, William Stewart McMichael III of Chattanooga, Tennessee; her sister, Vivian (Bobby) Toles; granddaughters Mary Kate (Sean) Heberer, Emmie Stoppelbein, Hope Stoppelbein, Lilly Stoppelbein, and Vesta McMichael; grandson Archer McMichael; and great-grandchildren Jackson and Sarah Heberer.

Joanne’s memory will be forever cherished by the family and friends she loved so deeply.

A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd on Lookout Mountain on April 18 at 2:00 p.m., with visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ronald McDonald House or the Houston Museum of Chattanooga.

Arrangements by Bond Memorial Chapel, 1098 Weston Drive, Mt. Juliet, TN. (615) 773-2663, www.bondmemorial.com