Joan Marie Rector

Joan Marie Rector, age 70, of rural Stover, passed away peacefully at her home Friday, December 27, 2019.

She was born May 11, 1949 in Washington DC a daughter of William E. and Minnie M. Darcey Byrd.

On September 15, 1968, Joan was united in marriage to the love of her life, Stephen Rector, who preceded her in death December 28, 2006, after 38 adventurous years.

Joan enjoyed working alongside her husband on their dairy farm.  She loved animals and spent much of her time volunteering with the local shelter and rescuing cats. Her friends and family will remember her as a great conversationalist, always eager to settle in with a cup of coffee (or the occasional cocktail) to chat about everything from home repair to world events. She loved Christmas and traveling and was always up for an adventure. In 2012 she moved to the Stover area to be near her daughter and grandchildren.

Survivors include two children, Renae Belt and husband Brad of Stover and Eric Rector and wife Tracy Sklenar of Callaway, Virginia; her twin sister, Joyce Oliver of Alamogordo, New Mexico; one brother, Neil Byrd of Clarksville, Maryland; six grandchildren, Makayla Macdonald and husband James, Nathan Belt and wife Rachel, Chelsea, Amyjah, Michael and Jaron Belt, five great grandchildren, Ewan and William Finnley Macdonald and Walker,  Lincoln, and Brooklyn Belt, along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Joan's life will be held 11:30 a.m. Monday, January 20, at the Scrivner-Morrow Funeral Home in Stover with Rev. Chad Courter officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sending memorial contributions to the Stover Animal Rescue.

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