Joan Rackley Young 1939-2021
Joan Young, age 82, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, passed away Sunday, December 12, 2021. She was born November 9, 1939, in Hardenville, Missouri, to Fred Arley Rackley and Mamie Marie Allcorn Rackley.
Joan worked for Gulf Power in customer service for many years. Her dedication was honored by being recognized as Employee of the Year. She was devoted to the community and was part of many civic organizations including being inducted into the Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women Hall of Fame in 2000.
Joan won the Humanitarian award for establishing the local chapter of Compassionate Friends and for her work with the Sexual Trauma Team, Trauma Intervention Program (TIP), and Hospice, and was recognized as the Mental Health volunteer of the year in 1999. She served as National President of the Gold Star Wives, and was invited to the White House and honored by several Presidents over the years. Joan worked at Emerald Coast Funeral Home serving families throughout the community. She implemented the Annual Celebration of Life Service honoring loved ones, and was one of the directors of the Grief Support Group. In 2019, James Bass, Managing Partner of Emerald Coast Funeral Home recognized Joan as being a kind, compassionate and a caring individual during her many years of service.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Young; a son, Gregory J. Young; a brother, Donald Rackley; and a sister, Betty Bowsher.
Joan is survived by a son, Randy Young of Florida; a brother, Delbert (Mary) Rackley of Rogersville, MO; and sisters, Ida Mae Huse of Hardenville, MO and Judy (Tom) Vangilder of Jonesboro, AR; a brother in law, Lew Bowsher of Springfield, MO; many nieces, nephews, and a special friend, Rick Bryant. A multitude of extended family and friends will miss her influence.
A Celebration of Life was held at Emerald Coast Funeral Home Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at 1:00 PM with Chaplain Beth Bateson officiating. Interment followed at Beal Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour before the service. Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com.
Paid obituary submitted by the family.