Obituary

Joan Dell Kennedy Ezell

April 29, 1958 - January 22, 2026

Joan Dell Kennedy Ezell was born on April 29, 1958, in Bogalusa, Louisiana, to her parents, J.W. and Martha Ann Stewart Kennedy. She was the third of six children and, from the very beginning, made an impression. A beautiful baby girl, she was lovingly nicknamed “Butterball” by her Uncle Cecil Stewart.

Throughout her life, Joan had a few aliases. To most, she was Mrs. Ezell or Joan Dell, but her favorite titles by far were Mom and Nonna. She grew up in the Stateline community, attending Pine and Thomas schools, and completed her senior year as a Varnado Wildcat, Class of 1975.

Joan went on to attend Southeastern Louisiana University, where she pursued her calling in education. She earned her Master’s degree plus 30 hours and began her teaching career in 1978 at Thomas Elementary. Teaching was never “just a job” for Joan—it was her passion. Her career spanned nearly four decades across two states, in both public and private education.

Her children witnessed firsthand the devotion she poured into her students. Summers, early mornings, and late nights were spent painting classrooms, grading papers, preparing lessons, and perfecting the first day of school. One of her children’s greatest joys was passing along messages from former students—stories of admiration, gratitude, and love that always made them beam with pride.

In 1981, Joan married Barry Ezell. Together they built a life full of love, laughter, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. From that union came her greatest treasures (and chaos), Danielle and Josh. One of Joan’s favorite stories—one she never let anyone forget—took place on May 31, 1990. On the last day of school, Joan handed out report cards, then later that evening gave birth to Josh…all while Danielle was performing in her dance recital. Everyone was sent to the recital while Joan delivered Josh with only her mother by her side. It was a story that perfectly captured who she was: dedicated, strong, and absolutely unforgettable.

While Joan was immensely proud of her children, her greatest joy came when she became Nonna. She lived for her eight grandchildren and never missed a chance to cheer them on—whether at ballgames, dance recitals, pageants, award days, or any moment that mattered to them. Being present for their lives brought her more happiness than anything else.

Joan was the definition of strength. No matter how she felt, she showed up. She was the ultimate cheerleader—not just for her children and grandchildren, but for her siblings, nieces, and nephews as well. Family meant everything to her, and she was always ready to help in times of need. Her siblings held a special place in her heart, especially her “twin” sister Teresa, born just 16 months apart.

Joan was also an absolute comedian. Her sharp wit, sass, and perfectly timed comments often left everyone in tears from laughter—sometimes completely unintentionally. She wasn’t flashy or fancy. She didn’t care about expensive clothes, jewelry, or cars. But she did have a hairbrush wherever she went. Every car she owned bore the evidence—headrests stiff from that final layer of hairspray before she stepped out to take on the day.

One of Joan’s greatest talents was planning. Parties, showers, weddings—she loved them all. She always had ideas, menus, décor plans, and was ready to take charge. True to form, she even left behind very clear instructions for how she wanted things handled when she was gone.

And in her final, sassy request, Joan made one thing perfectly clear: she wants a party. A celebration of life filled with happiness—no sadness allowed. Details will be announced at a later date.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Martha Ann and J.W. Kennedy; her husband, Barry Allen Ezell; her parents-in-law, Ravenell and Leonard Ezell; her siblings, infant Sharon Kennedy, Jody Kennedy, and Angela Miller; brothers-in-law Brad Pierce, Charles Ezell, and Rickey Ezell; sister-in-law Penny Kennedy; niece Felicia Hillhouse; and nephews Joseph Kennedy and Hunter Fornea.

She is survived by her children, Danielle and Britt Ikerd, and Joshua Ezell (Summer Booth); her grandchildren, Baylee Mitchell, Cade Mitchell, Isabella Ikerd, Landree Ikerd, McCollee Ezell, McKenzie Ezell, McKashlee Ezell, and Rudy Ezell; her sisters, Fran Kennedy and Teresa Pierce; and extended family members Jimmy Ezell, Jackie and Randy Ezell, and Pat Ezell.

Joan Dell Kennedy Ezell leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, dedication, and strength—a woman who worked hard, loved fiercely, and lived fully.

“In lieu of any flowers or donations, Danielle and Josh ask that you reach out to a teacher. Any teacher in any school or system. Ask how you can help a student. Whether it be a school jacket, a notebook, a high school senior scholarship donation, or even paying off a lunch balance, please do so in Ms. Ezell’s honor.