Walla Walla, WA - Joan Sharp Bissell, 96, passed away peacefully at home on July 1, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Beemer, Nebraska, she was the seventh of eight children of Grover and Esther Sharp. She earned a degree in Elementary Education from Union College and later a master's in Special Education at Lewis & Clark College.

Joan married Gordon Bissell in 1951, and together they raised eight children. She spent 30 years teaching at the Washington State School for the Deaf in Vancouver, WA, while remaining deeply devoted to her family and church community. She was honored as "Mother of the Year" in 1969 by Meadow Glade Seventh-day Adventist Church. After retiring, Joan and Gordon moved to Walla Walla to enjoy their later years near family.

Joan is survived by her eight children and their families: Lee and Janet Bissell; Lewis and Conni Bissell; Linda and Tom Hickerson; Laurie and Lou Roosma; Lisa and Bob Paulson; Larry Bissell; Lavonne Bissell and Lou Urrutia; Lafe and Rebecca Bissell; sixteen grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Joan was preceded in death by her loving husband, Gordon Bissell (2017), and all seven of her siblings.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 9 at 4:00 p.m. at Heubach Chapel, Walla Walla University Church, with a livestream: chrisdrake.stream/joanbissell

Remembrances can be made to Gospel Outreach, PO Box 8, College Place, WA 99324 Condolences can be made by visiting: www.munsellerhodes.com

Joan's legacy of love, faith, and perseverance continues in the lives of all who knew her.