Joan (Williams) DesChamp

Joan M. DesChamp , NEW MADRID, Mo. — Joan Marjorie Branum DesChamp was born March 9, 1940, in Kennett, Missouri, to Mary and Charles O. Williams. Joan went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at her residence in New Madrid. She was united in marriage on Nov. 10, 1957, in Kennett, to Tommy Eugene Branum. From this union, two children were born, son Ricky Branum and daughter Patty Branum White. Joan and her family farmed with Branum Farms, until her husband’s death on Aug. 18, 1985. 

On June 30, 1990, in Kewanee, Missouri, Joan married Carl Edward DesChamp of Sikeston, Missouri. They had recently celebrated their 31‘ wedding anniversary. Joan led a full and active life. She was an excellent cook, loved playing cards and entertaining and tending her flowers. Her family was always very important to her, and she was proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She blessed others with her caring and generous spirit. Joan was a member of the New Madrid Church of Christ. Preceding her in death were her parents, Mary and Charles Williams; daughter, Patty White; her brothers, Doyle Williams, Tite Williams, Jimmy Williams; and sister, Alma Jean Redman. Survivors include: her husband, Carl DesChamp of New Madrid; son, Ricky Branum of LaForge, Missouri; brother, Scotty Williams of Franklin, Tennessee; her grandsons, Eric Branum (Leslie) of New Madrid, T.J. Branum (fiancee Dianne) of Yorktown, Virginia, Tommy Branum (Kristen) of Kewanee and Kyle Branum (Jerica) of Kewanee; and 10 great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Larry White of LaForge; several nieces and nephews; a host of friends and a special, lifelong friend, Yvette Moore of Kennett. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until time for services at 1 p.m. Monday, July 12, 2021, at Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid with Ed Thomason and Ryann Eddy officiating. 

Burial will follow in the Memorial Gardens at Kennett. Pallbearers will be: Kyle Branum, Tommy Branum, Rick Branum, David Eddy, Daniel Eddy and Don Brown. Honorary pallbearers will be: Larry White, T.J. Branum, Eric Branum and Scotty Williams. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of donor’s choice. 

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