Joan Willingham Cartrette, 86, of Newberry, widow of John Wayne Cartrette, Sr, died on Friday, August 7, 2026 at Springfield Place.

Born on October 21, 1939 in Newberry, she was the daughter of the late John Keister and Aurelia Watkins Willingham. She worked at Newberry College for many years and was a member of Aveleigh Presbyterian Church. Joan loved dancing and especially enjoyed Carolina football.

She is survived by a daughter, Angela Summer; a son, John Wayne Cartrette, Jr.; two grandchildren, Kelly (Austin) Byrd and Heather Summer; great-grandchildren, Kendric Gallman, Kyrell Gallman, Marceline Byrd, Finnan Byrd, Margaret Byrd, and Evelyn Byrd; a step-great-grandson, Dainton Byrd; and her grand dog, Gumbo.

She was predeceased by her brother, John Keister Willingham, Jr.

Services will be conducted at 2:00 pm Friday, August 14, 2026 at the McSwain-Evans Funeral Home chapel by the Rev. Jason Edwards. Burial will follow in Newberry Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour before the service in the chapel. The family would ask that those attending the service to please wear bright and cheerful colors. The family will be at her home where they will receive guests.