Joan Elizabeth Clark

Joan Elizabeth Osborn Clark

Joan Elizabeth Osborn Clark, age 72, of Rome, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, June 23, 2026, at Chulio Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center, where she had been a resident for more than two years.

Joan was born on July 26, 1953, in Colchester, Vermont, to the late Willard Phillips Osborn Sr. and Fannie Lucile Chatfield Osborn. She grew up in Rome, Georgia, where she attended Armuchee High School.

She was married to Arthur Earl Clark for ten years, and together they had three daughters, Angelia. Russell, Melesia Goolsby, and Katherine Luhrman. Throughout her life, Joan lived in several states, including Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and New Hampshire, creating lasting memories and friendships wherever she went.

Joan dedicated much of her career to serving others through food service. She worked as a cook at the Minot Air Force Base Officers’ Club and later at a convent in New Hampshire. After earning a degree in Dietary Management, she returned to Rome and spent many years as Dietary Manager at Redmond Hospital. She took great pride not only in her daily work but also in organizing and participating in special events for hospital staff and patients. She retired in her sixties.

After retiring, Joan found a new way to serve others at Greystone Apartments in Rome. She became known for bringing people together through kindness and creativity. She started a card-making group that created handmade birthday, Christmas, and holiday cards for every resident. Alongside friends, she organized donations from local businesses and generous individuals to provide Christmas goodie bags for all of the residents each year. She also helped organize many community activities, including a favorite Alice in Wonderland-themed party. She had a gift for making people feel remembered, included, and loved.

Above all else, Joan was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. Her family was the center of her life, and she cherished every opportunity to spend time with them.

Joan had a love for travel and adventure. She explored many beautiful places across the United States, including the Badlands, Hawaii, Boston, New York, and Florida. One of her favorite destinations was Walt Disney World, where she delighted in the magic and wonder of each visit. She also fulfilled a dream of traveling through Europe, visiting Paris, Versailles, Rome, Pompeii, the Isle of Capri, and several cities in Germany.

Christmas was her favorite season. She found great joy in selecting thoughtful gifts for family and friends and treasured the tradition of reading the Nativity story from the Bible aloud each Christmas, reminding everyone of the true meaning of the season.

Joan was a devoted Christian who faithfully attended Southern Baptist churches throughout her life. Her love for God and her faith in Jesus Christ were the foundation of her life and a source of strength and comfort.

She enjoyed many hobbies, including making gift baskets, shopping at yard sales, reading, writing stories, creating perfumes, and watching classic movies and soap operas. Joan had a wonderful gift for storytelling and could recount everyday events with such dramatic flair that she never failed to entertain those around her.

She also had a special affection for animals, especially cats, who were faithful companions throughout her life. Cardinals and foxes also held a special place in her heart.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Willard Phillips “Phil” Osborn Jr.; and her grandson, Josef Luhrman.

She is survived by her daughters, Angelia Russell, Melesia Goolsby, and Katherine Luhrman; her sister, Coreen Spurbeck; her cherished grandchildren Dekota Luhrman, Ashley  Guess, Jamie Thornton , Kalie Pearman, Greg Brookshire, Brianna Godbolt, Halle Goolsby, Krista Kilbride and numerous great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.

Joan’s kindness, creativity, unwavering faith, generous heart, and love for others touched countless lives. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Good Shepherd Funeral home is honored to have been entrusted with the arrangements.

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