Joan Fortune Murphy Behnke, 89, of West Columbia, passed away at home, Sunday, January 31, 2016. Born February 21, 1926 in Chicago, IL, to John Philip Murphy, Jr. and Grace Margaret Gebbie Murphy, Joan grew up in Kenilworth, IL, attended Colorado College where she joined the Delta Gamma Sorority, and graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from Northwestern University in 1948. She married Wallace B. Behnke, Jr. on September 24, 1949 and spent most of her life in the Chicago area, primarily in Hinsdale, before moving to Kiawah Island, in 1989, then to Lexington, and finally the Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community in 2010.

In addition to raising her three devoted children, Joan was very active with the Illinois Children's Home and Aid Society in Chicago and organized many charity events. She was an avid tennis player, enjoyed golf, and travelled extensively with her husband.

In addition to her husband, Joan is survived by her daughters, Ann Behnke, Susan Jones and her two sons, James and Stephen, his wife, Heather and their sons, Harrison and Wallace; a son, Thomas Behnke and his wife, Theresa and their two children, Lindsey and John.

There will be a private family funeral held on Thursday. A memorial service will be held 2 o'clock, Monday, February 8th in The Chapel of The Holy Spirit at Still Hopes with Fr. Johnnie Davis officiating. A reception will take place from 3 until 4:30 o'clock in the Guignard Mansion at Still Hopes, 1 Still Hopes Drive, West Columbia following the service. Memorials may be made to Still Hopes Retirement Community, P.O. Box 2959, West Columbia, SC 29171. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.