03/07/2026
Mamie Joan Jackson Kimbell was born on December 6, 1932 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, in Chattanooga, Tennessee at the age of 93.
Joan’s faith was an essential and very important part of her life. She loved the Lord and accepted Christ at a young age. She was baptized at St. Francis Catholic Church in 1946 and when St. Francis closed its doors, she continued her spiritual journey as a devoted member of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Chattanooga, TN. She lived a life filled with love, dedication, and service to all her family and community.
Joan was an avid traveler and lived in several places, including Atlanta, Ga, Detroit, MI, New York City and Houston, TX. Before eventually coming back to her roots in Chattanooga, TN. She was a proud graduate of Howard High School's Class of 1950 and one of the founding members of the Duchess Social Club. She was also one of the first majorettes at Howard. Her thirst for knowledge led her to further her education at a business school in Detroit, Michigan, along with numerous other educational classes and professional conferences. She was also a former member of the Chattanooga Business and Professional Women’s Club and many other professional organizations.
While living in Chattanooga, she served as School Secretary at Howard High School, Executive Assistant to the Director at Dodson Avenue Health Center, and the Director of Admissions at Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation from where she retired. Her professional career was marked by significant contributions in various roles that left lasting impressions on everyone she met. She was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades throughout the years in which she was extremely proud. After retiring, she continued part-time work as a Receptionist at the Chattanooga Convention Center and as a Customer Service Assistant at Willowbrook Mall after relocating to Houston, TX.
Family was everything to Joan. She is survived by her sons, Gregory Oglesby of Houston, Texas, Ralph (Vivian) Kimbell Sr. of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Reginald Kimbell Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia; her sister, LaDana Taylor Houser of Kenner, Louisiana; and her brother Darrell Taylor of Chattanooga, Tennessee. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews, cousins, daughters in-law, grands in-law, godchildren, relatives and friends, who will forever cherish her memory.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Reginald Kimbell Sr.; her parents, Daniel and Lila Taylor, Jr.; Lewis Jackson; her daughter, Valarie Dunlap Williams; brother, Daniel Taylor III; grandsons, Sean Oglesby, Sr., Gregory and Nicholas Morgan; maternal grandmother, Sallie (SaSa) Aiken; maternal grandfather; paternal grandparents; great niece, Christyle (Chrissy) Ousley; brother in-law, Fred Houser, numerous aunts and uncles; cousins; other family members; friends; and her best friend, Evelyn Ghiden Newman.
Joan will always be remembered for her loving nature and giving spirit. She had a wonderful sense of humor paired with a contagious laugh that could brighten any room. While witty and intelligent with an abundance of wisdom to share, she could also be a little bossy. Joan was an endearing and true matriarch who worked tirelessly for all those she loved. Her hugs were legendary among those fortunate enough to have received them. And let’s not forget that she was an animated and gripping storyteller. Her legacy is one of devotion to her family and to all who knew her. She touched countless lives with her warmth and generosity.
Public viewing will begin at 2:00 PM, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, until 6:00 PM at the funeral home.
