Joan Fanning Beamer, 88, of Columbia, passed away on Tuesday, September 6, 2022. Born on November 3, 1933, in Pulaski, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Robert Shelor Fanning and Inez Smith Fanning. Joan was a dedicated, long-time member of Washington Street United Methodist Church in Columbia, where she was active in their music ministry, directing children's choirs, singing in the Sanctuary Choir and playing the piano.

Joan graduated from Pulaski High School. She was a music major at Radford University in Virginia and served as student body president during her junior year in college. She earned her master's degree in music education from the University of South Carolina in Columbia. Joan dedicated more than 50 years to sharing her passion for music with others and taught many students throughout her career as an elementary school music teacher. In her free time, Joan enjoyed spending time in her garden and traveling. Family and friends fondly remember Joan for her joyful spirit and love of laughter.

Survivors include her loving husband of 63 years, Robert Lewis Beamer; daughter, Janelle Elizabeth Beamer; nephew, Danny Fanning (Rhonda); and grand-dog, Pixie; and many loving cousins and great-nephews. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by brother, Donald Fanning (Gertrude); and nephew, Larry Fanning.

A graveside service for Mrs. Beamer will be held at 11 o'clock on Saturday, September 10th, at Elmwood Cemetery, 501 Elmwood Avenue, Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends the evening prior at visitation from 5 until 7 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC.

Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to the Washington Street United Methodist Church Sanctuary Choir.