Joan Larance Warren, was born on June 9, 1937 to Aubin Burdett and Elice Aycock Larance in Hilly, Louisiana. After a life well lived, she passed away on June 24, 2026, at the age of 89 following a brief illness. She loved her family, her friends, her community, her God and life’s many adventures.
Joan grew up in Ruston, Louisiana and graduated from Ruston High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a Master’s degree from Louisiana Tech University.
While in college she married the love of her life, James Benjamin Warren. Together they built a life centered on family, service and love. Following graduation Joan and Ben lived on several military bases while Ben served in the United States Air Force and Joan taught school. After returning to Lincoln Parish, she taught business classes at Ruston High School until retiring from the Lincoln Parish School System in 1985. During her years as a teacher, she formed relationships with many students who became lifelong friends, and she treasured those friendships. Teaching was never simply her profession – it was part of who she was, and she remained a teacher, mentor, and encourager throughout her life.
In 1983 she took a year away from teaching to study accounting at Louisiana Tech University. After successfully passing the CPA examination, she embarked on an entirely new career as a Certified Public Accountant, establishing her own practice in Ruston, where she served clients with the same integrity and dedication that had characterized her years as an educator. Joan owned and operated her CPA practice in Ruston until retiring in 2012.
Joan was deeply devoted to Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston, where she faithfully lived out her Christian faith through service. She served on the church’s Finance Committee and in numerous volunteer positions over the years. She also served as a member of the Louisiana Methodist Foundation and diligently served on the Finance Committee. She was especially dedicated to the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, where she served for many years as both a member and Chair of the Finance Committee.
Joan was known for her genuine love and concern for others. She enjoyed traveling with friends, playing bridge – and almost any other game – and embraced every opportunity to create lasting memories with those she loved. Above all, Joan treasured her family, her faith, and her friendships. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, integrity, generosity, and resounding love that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
One of her greatest joys was being “JoJo.” She delighted in teaching, encouraging, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always making herself available with love, wisdom, practical advice, and unwavering support whenever her family needed her. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Lane Larance and Elvin Larance, and her beloved husband, James Benjamin Warren.
She is survived by her daughter, Joani W. Kay of Birmingham, Alabama; her son, James Benjamin Warren, Jr. and his wife, Lisa, of Shreveport, Louisiana; seven beloved grandchildren: James Michael Kay and his wife, Anna, of Nashville, Tennessee; Haley Kay Smith and her husband, Sean, of Christiana, Tennessee; Joshua Graham Warren and his wife, Rachael, of Denver, Colorado; Matthew Chad Kay and his wife, Heather, of Birmingham, Alabama; Christopher Kyle Kay and his wife, Baili, of San Francisco, California; Jacob Grayson Warren and his wife, Connor, of Austin, Texas; and Benjamin Reed Warren of Austin, Texas. She is also survived by five cherished great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston, Louisiana. A memorial service celebrating Joan’s life will follow at 11:00 a.m., officiated by the Rev. Brian Mercer, under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston, Louisiana. Her six grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Burial will follow at Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston, Louisiana.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to her dear friends in Ruston, affectionately known as the Golden Girls, for their compassionate care, kindness and steadfast support through the years. The family also wishes to express their gratitude to the residents of Danberry at Inverness, in Birmingham, who befriended Joan and helped her feel welcome during her time there.
