Joan Annette “Mammaw” Sayres, 87, of Wardensville, WV, died on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Blue Ridge Hospice Inpatient Care in Winchester, VA.
Joan was born November 1, 1938, in Grafton, WV, a daughter of the late Merle R. and Edna N. Hardin Bennett. Joan dedicated 31 years of her life to serving others as a cook for Hardy County Schools. She also shared her kindness and talents with Capon Springs & Farm, Winchester Medical Center, and the National Wildlife Refuge. Joan found great joy in the simple things in life, especially reading, helping others, and giving back to her church and community. She was a faithful member of Wardensville United Methodist Church, where she willingly gave her time and love to help wherever she was needed. Joan found great joy in the simple things in life, especially reading, helping others, and giving back to her church and community. She was a faithful member of Wardensville United Methodist Church, where she willingly gave her time and love to help wherever she was needed.
Her caring heart and generous spirit touched the lives of many, and she will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
Surviving are two sons: Daniel P. Sayres of Woodstock, VA; Richard A. Sayres of Wardensville, WV; two daughters: Julie A. Shimp of Winchester, VA; Shauna L. Sayres-Farr (Leslie) of Fort Lauderdale, FL; five grandchildren: David, Myles, Meghan, Alex, & Brittany; and eight great-grandchildren: Timothy, Aiden, Natalie, Bentley, Cash, Laighla, Hunter, & Kylee.
She is preceded in death by a grandson: Clay Sayres.
A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at the Wardensville United Methodist Church on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 11 a.m.. Officiating will be Pastors Dennis Adams & Michael Funkhouser. Inurnment will be held in the Greenfield Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Loy-Giffin Funeral Home & Crematory, Wardensville, WV.
