In Loving Memory of

Joann B. Nolen

April 30, 1949  —  March 30, 2026

Hamilton County, Tennessee

Life Story

Joann B. Nolen — a woman who could light up a room and set it straight in the same breath — was born on April 30, 1949 in Hamilton County, Tennessee, where her roots ran deep and her spirit ran deeper. She lived every one of her 76 years with a fire that most people only dream about, loving hard, speaking her truth, and never once backing down from who she was.

Joann was a Spitfire in the truest sense of the word — bold, unapologetic, and full of life. She had a gift for making people feel seen, whether that was through a loving embrace or a look that let you know exactly where you stood. She loved her family fiercely and unconditionally, placing them at the center of everything she did. To know Joann was to know what it meant to be loved without reservation.

She was preceded in death by those who shaped her and those she loved dearly. She leaves behind three sons — Ray, Michael, and Joseph — along with a legacy of strength, laughter, and an untamed spirit that none of them will ever forget.

Words from Her Sons

In the order they came into this world — from the oldest to the youngest — each of Joann's sons steps forward to say what words can barely hold.

Ray Charles Vaughn  |  Eldest Son

Love you, Mom. That's enough.

Michael  |  Middle Son

When she was mad at me — and there were times — she called me Mikey. Most of the time though, she was just Mom. Full of life. Every room, every moment. She loved everyone around her and she loved her little dog Buddy. She's at peace now. And I love her more than anything. My mom.

Love you, Mom.

Joseph  |  Youngest Son

Mom was sporadic. A wild spirit. And honestly? I contribute a lot of who I am to exactly that. She was a pain in my butt — but she was MY pain in my butt, and I wouldn't trade that for anything. She loved tremendously. She stood her guns. Family always came first, with her being a very close second, and sometimes that was confusing for others — but she always got her point across. You knew where you stood with Joann Nolen.

We know she's in a better place. She can finally relax. Sit down. Take that break I kept asking her to take in her later years. But her free spirit wouldn't let her — and honestly, it kept her going longer than most. That's just Mom.

She's back now with her mom, with Faye and Ethel — her sisters — and James, her brother. The kids are all reunited. And the youngest still here, as fitting, is Lori Ray. You're carrying that torch, and we know it.

Thank you, Mom — for every good time, and yes, for all the other times too. Because we learned a whole lot from every single one of them.

Love you, Mom.

Survived By

Joann is lovingly survived by her three sons: Ray Charles Vaughn, Michael, and Joseph. She leaves behind five grandchildren — Justin (Ray's son); Brandon and Cody (Michael's sons); and Harlee and Maddox (Joseph's children). She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Leland and Bryson, along with a host of extended family and friends whose lives she touched deeply.

She didn't slow down. She didn't hold back. She loved out loud.

And now she finally rests.