Joan Carol Emerson McMahan was born in Montezuma, Tennessee, on October 14, 1941, to her mother, Villa Nell Bulliner Emerson, and father, Joe E. Emerson. Joan’s parents owned a country store attached to their home in Chester County, and after welcoming Joan’s brother, Larry Gaylon Emerson, they eventually moved to Savannah, where they owned and ran the Emerson Five & Dime store. Joan spent her time working at the Five & Dime store, and she saved her earnings to purchase her first horse.

When Joan finished high school, her family sold their store and relocated to McNairy County. Joan went on to meet her husband, Curtis Eugene McMahan, and attend Draughon’s Business College in Memphis, Tennessee. They shared many interests, including convertibles and water skiing. She later married Curtis, and they spent the next decade traveling the United States and making friends across the country while Curtis worked as a pipeliner.

After ten years of marriage, Joan and Curtis welcomed their daughter, Jenifer Cherie McMahan, after which they settled down and co-founded their own business in Hornsby, Tennessee, C-MAC Oil Company. Curtis’ brother, Lane McMahan, later became a partner in the company. Joan spent her time overseeing and managing the operations of C-MAC Oil, where she used her business education and skills to grow and develop the company. After running C-MAC Oil for a decade, Joan and Curtis sold the company and moved on to other business ventures, including Classmates, Inc., a school supplies company, and Classic Petroleum, among others. They traveled the States attending various trade shows, spending quality time as a family together on these trips. Joan and her daughter eventually attended Freed-Hardeman University together, where they graduated with their Bachelors’ in Business Administration. Completing her college education and degree was one of Joan’s life goals.

In addition to pursuing and accomplishing her professional goals, little compared to the deep devotion she had to her grandchildren, Lauren Alexis and Bailey Addison Whitley. Joan enjoyed quality time with her family, whether that be having meals together or spending time outside on her land with her horses. Joan was dedicated in her faith to God. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Selmer, where she enjoyed worshipping and gathering with fellow members. Joan also loved socializing and spending time with her close friends, whether that be getting a meal together, going to a church event, or attending book club.

Joan passed away on September 29, 2026, at the age of 84. During her long and accomplished life, Joan instilled many values in the lives of those she interacted with and cared for, including a dedication to faith, family, and self. Her legacy lives on through her daughter, Cherie, her cherished grandchildren, Alexis and Bailey, Bailey’s fiancé, Humberto Palomino, her extended family, and her close-knit group of friends.