Joan McMahan

Joan B. McMahan, age 88, of Biloxi, Mississippi, passed away on November 25, 2021, at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Gulfport, MS, after complications from a fall at her home.

Joan was born in Washington D.C. on December 10, 1932. She never married or had children. Joan retired as a registered nurse in Gainesville, FL. She cared for her mother in her later years. Joan also served as a staff assistant for United States Senator, James L. Buckley (R-NY), from 1971 to 1974 and was a legislative assistant to United States House of Representatives Congressman, William Cramer (R-FL), from 1960 to 1970. Joan’s true passion was caring for sheltered or abandoned animals.

Joan was preceded in death by her father, Lt. John Walter Mitchell McMahan (1942 – killed in a plane crash while piloting a long-range bomber in World War II); her mother, Bettye Thorton McMahan Gissiner (1997); her sister, Carol McMahan Taylor (2009); and her brother, Jack Gissiner (2011).

Joan is survived by her sister-in-law, Shirley (Carr) Gissiner of Clearwater, Florida; her nephews, Jeff, Mark, Steve, and Tim Gissiner; and nieces, Christine (Taylor) Kiley and Charlene (Taylor) Harrell.

Joan is buried at Curlew Hills Memory Garden in Florida with the ashes of her beloved dog Joel, and next to her mother’s grave.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, donations may be sent to the Humane Society of South Mississippi in Gulfport, MS.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Joan B. McMahan.