It is with hearts full of gratitude for a life beautifully lived that we announce the passing of Joan Smith Insley Medlin of Newport News, Virginia. She departed peacefully on the evening of Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the age of 90, surrounded by family. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at a later date in June at the Buckroe Commons.
Joan was born to Mabel and Hartness Insley on March 6, 1936, and raised on Bay Street in Poquoson, Virginia. At three years old, her family moved their house by rolling it on logs from the end of Bay Street to its final location. She began working at age 16 at Fisher’s department store in downtown Hampton and graduated from Poquoson High School in 1954. She later worked for 20 years at Pomoco on Mercury Boulevard.
A woman of extraordinary grace, simplicity, quiet dignity, and deep faith, Joan loved the Lord and valued her independence and creativity. Her love of the Lord is a legacy that lives on through her children and grandchildren for generations to come. She dedicated her life to cultivating warmth and love, creating a true sanctuary for her family. She found great joy in laughter, crocheting, making pot holders, sharing meals with loved ones, and tending to her flowers. Her home was always open with a warm hug and a place to sit for anyone who walked through the door.
On September 25, 1954, Joan was married to Henry D. Medlin (Pete). Married for 17 years, having 4 beloved children together, Donna Medlin (born 1956), Lorrie Firman (born 1958), Donnie Medlin (born 1960), and Gordon “GoGo” Medlin (born 1963, deceased).
She shared a long and meaningful life with James Ralph Bruce (Jimmy), whom she married in 1977. Later receiving guardianship of Thomas White in 1993, loving him like her own and building many cherished memories until Jimmy’s passing. She later remarried her beloved husband, Henry D. Medlin, and spent his final years with him.
Joan is survived by her children, Donna Medlin, Lorrie Firman (Nate), Donnie Medlin, Thomas White; her brother, Sonny Insley; 9 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; along with a wide circle of friends who were considered family, including Lynn Crawford and many others.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry D. Medlin; her husband, Jimmy Bruce; her cherished son, Gordon D. Medlin; her parents, Mabel and Hartness Insley; her sisters, Geraldine and Judith; and her brothers, Buddy and Greg.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Buckroe Commons on Saturday at 5:00 p.m.
3 Comments
I have lost a long time dear friend whom I will miss every moment of very day. Have known Joan since grade school – what a lovely person she was and the best friend anybody could have. I can’t believe she is gone from this earth but no doubt where she is now – in her heavenly home reacquainting herself with loved ones gone before. God bless her family and give you strength at this most difficult time.
Joan was as nice and kind of a person that you could every come across. I was fortunate to have know her. I worked with her at Poquoson Motors/POMOCO for many years. Joan knitted a beautiful Afghan for a wedding present for me and my wife 25 years ago that we still have and use. Also I have pot holders she made that I use practically every day. My condolences to the family.
You’re one of the good ones yourself Wes! Thank you for you kind words!