Joan Vignes Newman from Mobile, AL and resident of Enterprise for over 40 years passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026 surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mike Newman. Joan leaves behind a loving family who will forever treasure the memories they shared with her: sister, Janet Vignes Hughey (Sonny); brothers, Robert Vignes and Leon Vignes (Jonathan); nieces Laura Vignes Howard (Chris, Rush, and Madeline) and Sarah Hughey Maples (Whit); and nephews Beau Vignes (Kylie, Ripley, and Lottie) and John Hughey.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 15, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Enterprise with Dr. Ben Bowden officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 9:30 until service time.

Joan was a graduate of Murphy High School in Mobile. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from Judson College and later graduate degrees Masters of Education and P.H.D. in Higher Education from Auburn University.

Her professional life was devoted to education and helping others. She worked as a social worker and later served on the faculties of Macon Junior College, Troy University, and Enterprise State Community College, where she ultimately served as Dean. Joan also served as an adjunct faculty member at Auburn University. After retiring from the Alabama education system she went on to have a successful career as a financial advisor with Edward Jones for over 25 years.

Throughout her life, Joan was deeply committed to service and the betterment of her community. She was an active member of the Enterprise Rotary Club and made history as its first female president. She also devoted her time and leadership to the Wiregrass United Way, the Judson College Board of Trustees (past president), and the Judson College Foundation (past president). She served the Enterprise State Community College Foundation and was involved in the Auburn University Capital Campaign.

Joan was deeply devoted to God and an active member of First Baptist Church of Enterprise where she again served her community by participating in my committees and endowments.

Whether through education, community service, faith, or her many leadership roles, Joan believed in investing in people and institutions that would make a difference for generations to come. Her legacy is reflected not only in the many accomplishments of her career, but in the lives she influenced, the organizations she strengthened, and the people she encouraged along the way.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Newman Endowed Science Scholarship in the College of Education at Auburn University. Please make donations payable to the Auburn University Foundation, P.O. Box 3140, Auburn, AL 36849 or visit AuburnGiving.org/JoanNewmanMemorial.