Joan M. Rawl

Joan Massey Rawl passed away peacefully on November 1, 2026, in Lexington, South Carolina surrounded by her devoted and loving family. Though Alzheimer’s gradually took over the last decade of her life, her beautiful smile, gentle nature, and ladylike demeanor remained throughout her long illness.

Joan was born on December 22, 1933, in the community of Taxahaw, South Carolina on the family farm. After her father passed away, she and her mother moved to Kershaw to be closer to nurturing extended family where she would spend the rest of her childhood.

An alumna of Winthrop University, she obtained her teaching degree and met her future husband, David E. Rawl, Jr., on a blind date during her Junior year. Love blossomed and soon after graduation, they married and moved to Batesburg-Leesville where she would begin her family, establish lifelong friends and start a rewarding teaching career. She adored every student she ever taught and proudly kept every gift and piece of artwork given to her throughout the years. It always made her feel extra special and appreciated whenever a former student would remember her by speaking while in the grocery store or at a restaurant. Family was the most important priority, and her favorite role in life was being a loving and nurturing mother to her only child, David, and in later years welcoming her daughter-in-law, Karen, into the family.

Joan had many interests and passions throughout her life: Saturday matinees in Kershaw, climbing trees and playing ball with Kershaw cousins, fine clothing and fashion design, travel, genealogy and playing bridge to name a few. A favorite past time was shopping and visiting with friends at Mae’s Ladies Apparel on Main Street. She was a member of the Batesburg-Leesville Presbyterian Church, the DAR, the Batesburg-Leesville Study Club and the Garden Club. As a descendant of a Patriot, she was extremely patriotic and enjoyed researching and discovering new and interesting facts about the Massey and Rawl’s rich family history. Lastly and most importantly, Joan was deeply rooted in her Christian faith and always made time to support those in her church and community. She is now in the presence of Christ; the reward of a life well lived on faith and trust.

Joan was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, David E. Rawl, Jr. She is survived by her son, David E. Rawl, III, and his wife, Karen.

The family will receive friends at the Batesburg-Leesville Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall at 10:00 am on Wednesday November 4, 2026, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am in the church sanctuary. The burial will follow in the Batesburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Batesburg-Leesville Presbyterian Church, 103 Mitchell St., Batesburg SC 29070. Special thanks to the Batesburg Leesville Presbyterian Women for their prayers, love and support during her illness, the Memory Care Staff of Wellmore of Lexington, VIA Hospice Care and Sheppard’s Helping Hands.

Arrangements are under the care of Baker Funeral Home, Kershaw, SC.