Joan Melba Burns

Obituary of Joan M. Burns

August 2, 1938 – March 24, 2025

It is with a heavy and sad heart that we announce the death of our beloved mother, Joan Melba Godwin-Burns. Joan passed away on March 24, 2025 at Memorial Hospital Bakersfield, California at the age of 86 after a prolonged illness.

Joan was born on August 2, 1938 in Williams, Arizona to her loving parents Lola May and John Franklin Godwin. Joan adored her father, who was born in 1882 in Henderson, Tennessee. She clearly remembers that her father read to the family every evening from the Bible. Her beloved mother was born in 1902 in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Joan was the youngest of 6 children in the Godwin family.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband, John Leon Burns and 5 of her 6 children: Joannie Francine Eby, James (Jim) DeWayne Barnes, John Leon Burns, Jr., Teresa (Teri) Diane Hagebusch, and Connie Kay Selves. Joan is survived by her eldest daughter Sherry Lynn Nichols. She also survived by 18 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Joan moved to the Kern River Valley in April, 2023 after the passing of her beloved son, Jim, to be near her eldest daughter, Sherry.

Joan lived her life as an independent and strong person. She worked for 43 years as a waitress in fine dining establishments and later as a bartender at the VFW in Gainesville, Florida. She traveled across the USA three times and settled in Florida, where she was fond of the climate and the people. Joan relished her cruises to the Bahamas, eating good Southern food, and spending time with people whose company she enjoyed. She was friendly, kind and never met a stranger. Joan spent many hours reading novels by such authors as Louis L’Amor and watching Western movies, especially staring John Wayne. She loved Country Western music and dancing with her husband. She loved Jesus and is dancing with new feet in heaven today.

Joan adored her rescued Chihuahua, Little Girl, and grieved her dog’s passing in 2023. In lieu of flowers, please donate a few bucks to your local animal rescue or shelter. Joan would really appreciate that. There will be no services held.