Joan Price

Joan Price Obituary Joan Elfreda Price, 84, of Salem, VA., passed away September 11, 2024 after a long battle with dementia.Joan was born and raised in Salem, VA to the late Curtis (Eddie) and Mildred Vandergrift. She attended Andrew Lewis High School and later National Business College. It was while she was a student and cheerleader at Andrew Lewis High School that she met her husband of 60 years on a blind date.Joan worked for AEP, A&J Auto Parts, Carter Machinery, Roanoke County Schools, and as Vice President of Richfield Retirement Community; however, she would tell you that her favorite job was being a mother to her two sons, Arthur Jr. and Jason. She spent countless hours at ballgames, band competitions, and Glenvar booster events and she loved every minute of it.There might not have been anyone who loved to sing and dance as much as Joan! From doing the jitterbug with her brother Clark, slow dancing with Arthur, or singing “Looby Loo” with the grandkids, she took delight in it all. As her facilities began to fade, music never failed to make her eyes sparkle and her foot tap.Joan was always up for an adventure and rarely, if ever, turned one down. Whether it was traveling, riding bikes with the boys, or dressing up on Halloween for her grandkids, she embraced life and any opportunity to spend quality moments with her family. She loved Arthur with all of her heart and she was a fierce protector of Arthur Jr. and Jason. Joan cherished spending time with the grandkids and was a good friend to many. She loved old sayings like “Good gravy” and “Oh my stars” and never turned down red velvet cake, anything chocolate, or peanut butter.Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Curtis (Eddie) and Mildred Vandergrift, husband, Arthur Price Sr., son, Jason Price, and grandson, Gavin Price.Joan is survived by her brother, Clark Vandergrift (Sandra); son, Arthur Jr. (Becky); daughter-in-law Susan (Jason); grandkids, Conner, Parker, and Keegan; and many special nieces and nephews.A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 15, 2024, in the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home Chapel in Salem, VA. A period of visitation will begin at 4 p.m. in the Upper Parlor of the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest following the service at East Hill Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joan’s honor to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund at http://www.curealz.org (34 Washington Street, Suite 310; Wellesley Hills MA 02481).