Joan Grainger Pierce Edgerton, of Charleston, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest on September 19, 2026, at the age of 85. A funeral service celebrating her life is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St., Charleston, SC at 3:00 pm with a reception following in Upper Lance Hall.

Joan was born November 26, 1940, in Charlotte, North Carolina to Frank Grainger Pierce and Mary Frances (Panky) Pierce Rigby. She lived and loved passionately with endless energy and enthusiasm for everything she did. Joan graduated from Queens College and went on to earn a Masters in Christian Education from Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and a Doctorate of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia.

Joan cherished her childhood in Charlotte, NC. She rode horses with her father, reached the Junior Olympic level in diving, and spent summers at Camp Greystone. Her fondest memories were with her beloved grandmother, Miss Mary Allen, at Mill Cove in the Brevard, NC mountains. Joan counted her grandmother as the greatest influence of her life.

Joan was the definition of small but mighty. She lived life fully, with love and acceptance for all she met, and a passion for making the world a better place. Joan’s proudest work was her time in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, and her work supporting those in need. Her work at the Medical University of South Carolina and helping to start the MUSC Ronald McDonald House earned her the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest honor. Joan poured her endless energy into her life in Charleston and was actively engaged in First (Scots) Presbyterian Church, Second Presbyterian Church, and Circular Congregational Church. She also shared her love for people through her Clinical Counseling practice.

Joan’s greatest joy was being with her children and grandchildren, who knew their “Nene” loved them fiercely. She is survived by her children Mary Allen Edgerton, Christopher (Holly) Edgerton, Shannon (Jonathan) Edgerton Ball, and Daniel (Laura) Edgerton, and her eight grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider supporting Joan’s beloved Haiti Eco Village School (Haitiecovillageschool.org), which she supported through volunteering and service trips in its early days. Donations can be made to: North Decatur Presbyterian Church, Attention: Fund for Haiti Village School.

Arrangements are by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.