Joanie Burns

Joanie Burns, 66, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 8, 2025, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family. A woman of steadfast faith and gentle strength, Joanie devoted her life to loving God and loving people.

Born to Boyce and Sue Poplin in Charlotte, NC, Joanie was the kind of friend who showed up, the kind of neighbor who noticed, and the kind of believer whose quiet confidence in Christ lit the way for others.

When Joanie received her cancer diagnosis, she chose courage and compassion. She turned each appointment, hallway conversation, and sleepless night into an opportunity to witness, reminding her precious family and others that God is near to the brokenhearted and faithful in every season. Doctors, nurses, fellow patients, and visitors often left her presence encouraged, prayed for by the very woman they came to comfort. Joanie’s favorite scripture, was Psalm 91, and it guided her steps and anchored her peace.

Joanie’s greatest earthly joys were her family: husband, Doug Burns, and her children and their spouses, Mandy Stanton (Brian), Jared Hunter (Paige), and Daren Hunter (Brooke). She adored her grandchildren, Avery Stump (Jon), Seth Stanton, Cora Hunter, Boyce Hunter, Easton Hunter, Holden Hunter, and Eliza Hunter. Joanie was especially excited about the arrival of her first great-granddaughter, Adalynn Stump, who is arriving soon. She cherished her mother, Sue Poplin, and her siblings and their spouses: Debbie Engle (Ed), Jerry Poplin (Karen), and Marilyn Harding (Mike). She is also remembered by a host of dear friends who became her family, especially her church community, who walked alongside her in prayer and praise.

She was preceded in death by her father, Boyce Poplin; her sister, Sherry Poplin; and her first husband and father of her children, William Hunter.

Those who knew Joanie remember her warm smile, her gift for making everyone feel seen, and her unwavering belief that God is good, always. Her legacy is one of faith that did not falter, love that did not waver, and hope that did not disappoint.

A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm at First Baptist Church Indian Trail.