As a result of a long illness, Joan McCraw (née McGuire) was called to be with her Lord and Savior on the morning of January 18, 2023. Joan is survived by her husband of forty-three years, Tim McCraw, of Pacolet, SC, daughters Karen Shields (Brandon) of Laurens, SC, Edna Coryell (Travis) of Phoenix, AZ, brother Joe Steve McGuire (Margie) of Mooresboro, NC, and brother Michael McGuire (Beth) of Pacolet, SC. Joan was preceded in death by her mother, Maggie Odell McGuire, her father, JM McGuire, and Joan’s precious daughter, Lara.
Joan’s greatest joy in life was her family, and she took great pride in raising her children. Karen and Edna followed in Joan’s footsteps, becoming great parents and successful women. Joan took special pride in her six grandchildren, Sara, Maya, Xander, Grayson, Caroline, and Weston.
Joan spent ten years as a chemical technician at Milliken and Company at their corporate research campus in Spartanburg. Later, Joan became a dedicated scientist working diligently for the US Federal Government at the US Geological Survey and the Centers for Disease Control. She spent thirty-four years in the service of the CDC. She won several awards while at CDC, including the HHS Secretary's Award for Distinguished Service, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the NCEH Director’s Award for Superior Mission Response in Science, and a CDC/ATSDR Honor, and a Special Act of Service Award. Joan’s teammates loved and looked up to her. Joan was, at once, a second mother, sister, mentor, and friend to those around her.
In her last years, Joan was a patient at Wren Hospice. The family thanks Wren Hospice for Joan's compassionate and comprehensive care. With deep gratitude, the family thanks Rikiya Byrd of Meadow Healthcare for assisting the family in providing loving, personalized, and compassionate caregiving services.
Private services were held at Pacolet Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family appreciates donates to Wren Hospice.
Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel
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