Joanie Jaggers

Joanie Jaggers, known to most simply as JJ, departed this world on May 15, 2026, stubbornly refusing to go quietly, just as she had lived. Born June 17, 1982, she was a force of nature: never predictable, always driven by a good heart, and with a spirit as fierce as any spitfire. To say JJ was “always herself” barely scratches the surface. She was a woman who played by her own rules, unapologetically, often bringing her own beverage to any gathering and making it clear she intended to do life her way.

JJ’s stubbornness was not just a quirk. It was woven into the fabric of who she was. She could surprise you, yes, but she never compromised her integrity or her unique brand of kindness. She loved to fish and had an unusual passion for collecting rubber ducks, those cheerful little battalions that somehow suited her mischievous yet caring personality perfectly. Animals, especially dogs and cats, held a special place in her heart, reflecting the softer, nurturing spirit that lived beneath her tough exterior. She also loved grilling out, spending time outside with the people she loved, and sipping on her Bud Light while the laughter carried into the evening air.

Among her proudest achievements, Joanie claimed with a wry grin that getting her driver’s license at an “advanced age” was one of her crowning glories. In typical stubborn fashion, she conquered that milestone entirely on her own terms, proving once again that it is never too late to insist on independence and control over your own life.

Joanie leaves behind a loving family who came to know her many sides: friend, mother, grandmother, and ever resolute individual. She is survived by her children, Autumn Evans and Summer (Bruce) Bohlsen, who carry forward her legacy with unmistakable strength and love. Her grandson Michael is among those who will remember her fiery spirit and gentle heart. Her mother, Roberta (James Pattison) Brown, steadfast herself, along with siblings Kimberly Jaggers, Kelly Kelso, Jamie Rose, and Regina Phillips, remain bonded by shared memories of JJ’s unwavering presence. Her best friends, Holli Willoughby and Tabitha Gonzales, stood by her side as loyal companions through life’s highs and lows. The many nieces and nephews gathered around her knew they could always count on Joanie’s unusual blend of toughness and tenderness.

Her passing also marks the closing of chapters once shared with those who preceded her: her father John W. Jaggers Sr., her twin brother John W. Jaggers Jr., and beloved aunts and uncles Richard Holly Jaggers, Gladys Byrne, and Marie Poynter. The bond she shared with her twin was one that shaped her deeply, a connection woven through a lifetime of memories, stubbornness, laughter, and shared spirit. Their memories no doubt lived on in her unyielding nature and fierce zest for life.

Joanie Jaggers never sought to fit the mold. She lived on her terms, stayed stubbornly true to herself, and loved fiercely in her own unmistakable way. The world is quieter now, but any recollection of her will bring back the image of a woman standing by a grill with a Bud Light in hand, laughing loudly, loving deeply, and refusing to be anything but herself. Rest stubbornly well, JJ. You were truly one of a kind.