Joan Irene Miller Medlen, lovingly known as Gan-Gan,  passed away on February 4, 2026 in her home surrounded by family. She was born on April 10, 1938 to Frederick Henry Miller & Glenna Davis Miller in  Walton, NY. She was the third youngest of 9 children. The family moved to a dairy farm at Walton, NY in 1939. They lived at the farm off and on until it was sold in 1950. They moved to Arkansas for a couple years before returning to Center Moriches,  New York in 1951.

She Graduated from Center Moriches High School in June 1956 in New York. She met the love of her life, Benny Lee Medlen, lovingly known as Popeye, while still in High School. Benny was stationed in Long Island, NY while serving in the Air Force. They were married on August 5, 1956 in New York before moving back to Owens Cross Roads, Alabama. They eventually moved into the Big City of Huntsville to raise their three boys; Benjie, Fred and Michael.

Joan was a homemaker until their children were all in school and then she worked as a Elementary PE teacher for Huntsville City Schools. She also taught clogging in the afternoon to students as an afternoon school activity. They had a little group that went around and performed for different events. Around 1983 she returned to being a homemaker to raise her oldest granddaughter. As more grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along she would always help care for them as much as she could.

She loved her family and friends. Family was very important to her. She would attend every sporting event, dance recital, school play, graduation and other events that she could. . From Christmas to Easter to Halloween, she always went all out decorating. Christmas was her favorite. There was a Christmas tree in every room. She homemade chocolates every Christmas season with friends and family to enjoy.

Joan was a member of First Baptist church of Huntsville and an active member of her ladies Sunday School class until she was unable to attend.

A beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother she is survived by her Three sons: Benny (Karen) Medlen Jr, Fred (Carol) Medlen and Michael (Ginger) Medlen; Seven Grandchildren: Karen (Kai) Langford, Lindsey (Michael) Tincher, Colby (Caroline) Medlen, Kelly (Joey) Runnels, Kristy (Benjamin) Edwards, Courtney Medlen and Caroline (Wesley) Smith; Eight Great Grandchildren - Cristian, Brody, Abigail, Rosalee, Caleb, Wheeler, Kaveri and Winston; her brother Richard (Mary) Miller and a host of nephews and nieces and those that loved her like family.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband of 69 years,  7 of her siblings and great-granddaughter Avery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the North Alabama Alzheimer's Association or The Gideons International.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 8th, from 12:00-2:00 PM at Berryhill Funeral Home, with a funeral service immediately following. Burial will take place at Green Valley Cemetery.