Joan Evelyn Lemere

Joan Evelyn Lemere, 87, of Forest, passed away Tuesday, May 10, 2022.

Joan was born November 28, 1934, in Jackson, Minn., a daughter of the late John Larson and Evelyn Benson Larson. Joan was a member of Forest United Methodist Church where she played piano for many years. Joan loved her family fiercely. Often dubbed “the matriarch” of the family, she was always ready to listen, laugh, and give the best hug anyone could imagine. She had a love of music and that carried over into all aspects of her life. She taught piano lessons to numerous children over the years and was the choir director at Tamassee D.A.R. School. Her music filled her home until her last days.

She is survived by her sisters, Beatrice Christiansen of Hernando, Miss. and Linda Furman (Kenny) of Reno, Nev.; Phillip Lemere (Chris), son, of Colo.; Steven Lemere (Teresa), son, of Walhalla, S.C.; Andrea Kearns (Peter), daughter, of Forest, Va.; Kenneth Lemere (Terri), son, of Frederick, Md.; Patricia Lemere (Mike), daughter, of Gaithersburg, Md.; thirteen grandchildren; and thirteen great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Jeanine Porter and her daughter, Amy Johnson.

A Celebration of Joan’s Life will be held at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2022, in the chapel of Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg with the Rev. Sue Keen officiating.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial contributions to Forest United Methodist Church, 1150 Burnbridge Rd. Forest, VA 24551.

 Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.