Joan Mary (Akerman) Twiggs, (February 15, 1922-December 26, 2014) died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by family in Lenoir City, Tenn. where she had resided for the past 10 years. Joan is survived by her five children; Ann M. Twiggs, Martha E. (Genie) Murphy, Joan E. Twiggs, PhD, David James Henry Twiggs, and The Rev. Frances R. Twiggs; their spouses; a brother, Peter Akerman; four grandchildren, Aileen, Caroline, Robert and Katie Ann Twiggs; and one great-grandchild. Her husband, Henry, died peacefully just six days earlier on December 20.

Joan was born in Leamington-on-Spa, England to William James (Jim) and Hilda Akerman. She met her husband, Henry, a Yank, while he was stationed in England during WWII. Joan was herself a veteran of the British Army, proudly serving the Allied cause while stationed in North Africa. Her service was recognized with a lifelong pension received from Her Majesty the Queen. Joan and Henry lived in several states and countries while he was in the service, resulting in their children being born in several different states as well as Newfoundland, Canada, before settling in 1960 in Kingsport, Tenn. where they lived until moving to Lenoir City, Tenn. in 2004 to be close to David and his family.

Joan was a true Renaissance woman, a woman of many talents and interests. She was an accomplished painter and potter, gardener, avid reader, political activist for the Democratic Party, and faithful Christian to list just a few! She had a keen intelligence and curiosity, was a loyal friend and animal lover. She raised five children, all of whom followed in their own fashion in her progressive footsteps. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Joan and Henry were active members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Kingsport and then attended Church of the Resurrection Episcopal Church when they moved to Lenoir City.

A memorial service celebrating the lives of both Joan and Henry will be held at the Church of the Resurrection, 917 Pond Road, Loudon, Tenn. on December 30 at 3 p.m., reception to follow. In lieu of flowers Joan’s wish was that a donation be sent to Episcopal Relief and Development (https://www.episcopalrelief.org/).