Joann Milikin Beecher

Joann Milikin Beecher, age 86, of Baxley passed away Monday, January 19, 2026 at her home under the care of Coastal Hospice.

Mrs. Beecher was born September 9, 1939 in Appling County to the late Manley B. “Bark” Milikin and the late Aline “Sister” Holland Milikin. Mrs. Beecher was a dedicated member of Spring Branch Baptist Church and a proud retired bank executive with SunTrust Bank. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose love extended far beyond her immediate family. Her home was a place of refuge, laughter, and belonging, where she welcomed many children and raised them as her own, including her beloved grandchildren, Bre and Brady. Known for her feisty, flamboyant personality, she had a gift for lighting up every room she entered. Her humor, warmth, and unmistakable spark left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was also preceded in death by a brother, James Milikin.

Survivors include her husband of nearly 69 years, Collis Russell Beecher; son, Ricky Beecher; daughter, Cindy (Mike) Jones; grandchildren, Bre (Jake) Barnes, Brady Beecher, Justin Jones, and Jared Jones; sisters-in-law, Glenda Milikin, Carolyn Branch and Patsy (Buck) Buchannan; and six great-great grandchildren also survive.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Spring Branch Baptist Church with Rev. Rick Brown, Rev. Robert Wigley, and Rev. Ryan Lamb officiating.

A private committal service will be held Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville with Rev. Bryan Gill officiating.

Active pallbearers will be Ricky Beecher, Brady Beecher, Jake Barnes, Mike Jones, Buck Buchannan and Robby Barnes.

Honorary pallbearers will be the deacons and previous deacons of Spring Branch Baptist Church, ladies Sunday School class and the Appling County High School Class of 1957.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.