Joan Elizabeth Sumler Killingsworth, 67, passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, May 27, 2016, at UMMC in Jackson, MS. Joan was born in Willacoochee, GA, on January 18, 1949 to Troy and Lillian Sumler. Joan grew up in Orlando, FL. She had on sibling, Danny, who preceded her in death. 

Joan attended Western Carolina University, where she received a degree in nutrition in 1972. She marrieed the love of her life, Gene Killingsworth, in 1973. Gene and Joan relocated to Columbus, MS in 1974, where she completed a Master's Degree from Mississippi University for Women. Joan's career began with Bryan Foods in West Point, MS in 1977, where she worked as a Home Economist then moving to Foodservice Marketing. In the years following Joan held various positions in foodservice sector. She moved from West Point, MS to Cincinnati, OH with Sara Lee. In 2005, she and Gene relocated to Chicago with Hillshire Brands. Joan retired from Hillshire Brands in 2011 and moved to Brandon, MS to be near family. After moving to Brandon, she became a realtor with Keller Williams. She loved helping families find homes. She always went the extra mile to ensure her clients found a place to settle and begin making memories.

Joan always enjoyed her work, but her family was the center of her world. She was a devoted wife and mother of 3 sons. Her eldest son, Todd Killingsworth (Jama) of Brandon, MS, preceded her in death in December 2015. Joan is survived by her husband, Gene Killingsworth of Brandon, MS; 2 sons, Brett Killingsworth (Melissa) and Ryan Killingsworth (Anna), both of Madison, MS. She held a special place in her heart for Todd's wife, Jama. She was a loving grandmother to 4 beautiful grandchildren, Maddox (Todd), Davis (Todd), Camden (Brett), Kate (Ryan). Joan also has 3 nieces, Danita, Dana and Debra who lives in Oklahoma and Kansas.