Joan Marshall

Joan Griffin Marshall, a devoted educator, cherished community servant, and beloved member of the Tifton, Georgia community, passed away peacefully at her residence in Tifton on March 29, 2026. Born on June 4, 1932, in Tifton, she lived a life marked by dedication to education, faith, family, and service.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at Northside Baptist Church with Rev. Charles Parker officiating and Mike Chason delivering eulogy. Interment will follow at Oakridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Albritton Funeral Directors.

Corey Roberson, Braden Weeks, Colin Weeks, Casey Marshall, Darrell Griffin and Dwayne Griffin will serve as pallbearers. The honorary pallbearers will be retired Teachers of Tift County.

Joan’s journey of learning began in her hometown where she graduated from Tifton High School in 1946. Her pursuit of knowledge continued at ABAC, North Georgia College, and VSU, where she earned a master’s degree along with a six-year Education Degree. Her passion for teaching led her to a fulfilling career with the Tift County Board of Education, where she retired as a respected and beloved school teacher. Notably, she devoted herself to assisting with migrant education, making a meaningful difference in the lives of many children. She believed it was very important for all children to learn to read.

Her commitment to faith and service was evident through her unwavering involvement in the Northside Baptist Church of Tifton, where she served as the Cradle Roll Administrator for over thirty years, nurturing the youngest members of the congregation with tenderness and care. Beyond this role, she was actively engaged in the Sunday school nursery and was known for her loving spirit and dedication. Joan also contributed her time to the Tift County Spanish Missions driving the church van. She co-owed the Marshall’s Learning Center from 2000 to 2013.

Joan’s personal life was deeply rooted in family and faith. She married James Alton Marshall shortly before he departed for Korea, beginning a partnership that would last sixty years until his passing on February 8, 2017. Together, they built a family grounded in love and steadfast values. Joan is survived by her children, Sue and Ricky Roberson and James O. Marshall; her grandchildren Kelly Daniell and Corey Roberson; her great-grandchildren Braden Weeks, Colin Weeks, and Lauren Weeks (Alex); and her great-great-grandchild, Remi Royals. Along with her sisters-in-law, Betty Griffin, Ann Stillwell, and Mary Jo Marshall, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who carry forward her legacy.

Joan found joy and solace in the simple pleasures of life—growing plants with care, immersing herself in books, and cooking delicious meals, and sewing clothes for her daughter.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband James Alton Marshall; her father, Archie Owen Griffin; her mother, Nettie Lou Hood Griffin; her sister, Carolyn Yvonne Clark; and her brother, Thomas “Buddy” Griffin and her grandchildren Dustin Charles Sumner and Sharon Rose Roberson.

Joan Griffin Marshall’s life was a testament to faith, education, and family. Her legacy endures through the countless lives she touched with her kindness, dedication, and grace. She leaves behind a community enriched by her presence and a family forever grateful for her love and guidance.

The family would like to thank her caretakers, Samantha Hayes, Candi Stevick and Susan Franks.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Meals on Wheels, PO Box 2053, Tifton, Ga. 31793; Northside Baptist Church, 4605 Murray Avenue, Tifton, Georgia 31794 or Tift County Retired Teachers Association, C/O Bobbie Sumner, 1918 Crosland Lenox Rd, Omega, Ga. 31775.

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements