Joan Anne Carlton

August 27, 1942 - May 23, 2026 It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Joan Anne Carlton, who departed this world on May 23, 2026, after a courageous battle with kidney disease. Born on August 27, 1942, in Weehawken, New Jersey, Joan was a beacon of light and laughter to all who knew her. Joan was the cherished daughter of Frederick Otto Carlton and Alice Josephine (Schnabel), who predeceased her, as did her beloved sister, Jackie Relaford. She leaves behind a loving family and a legacy of faith and adventure. Joan is survived by her devoted sister, Alice Carlton, and her family in Naples, FL; her lifelong friend John Paul Jones, with whom she shared a unique journey and a cherished son, Eric Scott Carlton. Joan's legacy continues through Eric and his wife Cheryl Marie, and their children: Johnathan Chase Carlton and his wife Stephanie and their 2 sons in Grand Junction, CO; Courtney Marie Hernandez and her husband Edgar in Clifton, CO; Brandy Jane Maruyama and her husband Hirotaka and their son and daughter in Lake Forest, CA; and Timothy James Carlton and his wife Amanda in Clifton, CO. Joan also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews, all touched by her indomitable spirit. Joan's life was a tapestry of rich experiences and deep faith. Educated in public schools in New Jersey and Texas, Graduating from Bagota High School in 1961, then traveling about the country, her path took a transformative turn when she encountered T.L. and Daisy Osborn, who inspired her to pursue a life in ministry. She attended Oral Roberts University and Raima Bible College, earning her Masters in Divinity and Doctorate in Theology. Her faith led her to become a lifelong member of the International Gospel Center, where she found her spiritual home and second family. Joan dedicated her life to spreading the Gospel, embarking on missionary trips to North Africa, India, Mexico, and Honduras, among other places. Jesus always had a place in every conversation for her. In the early 1970s, Joan broke barriers as one of the first female military MPs in the U.S. Army Reserves. A tiny lady with a fiery spirit, she proudly served her country and was always eager to share her experiences. Her career as a traveling bookkeeper, accountant, and CPA took her from paper ledgers to the forefront of computerized accounting, showcasing her adaptability and tech-savviness. She also went on to become a Professor, in several subjects, with Colorado Christian University. Joan's zest for life was reflected in her hobbies and interests. A lover of animals and the wild west, she moved with her son Eric from urban New Jersey to the Hopi Indian Reservation in Arizona, embracing the frontier life. Her home was filled with horses, donkeys, goats, and countless other animals, each with a story Joan loved to share. A devoted fan of Westerns, John Wayne was her hero, and she never tired of watching his films. Those who met Joan were immediately drawn to her warmth and honesty. Unafraid to share her life's journey, she spoke candidly about her past, her faith, and her transformation. Her laughter, which she described as "laughing in the spirit from deep within," was infectious and unforgettable. Joan's life will be honored in a private ceremony, as she wished. Her family and friends will gather to celebrate the remarkable woman she was—a devoted mother, a loyal friend, a trailblazer, and a servant of God. Joan Anne Carlton will be deeply missed, but her spirit and stories will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.