Joan Eudy Penland

Joan Eudy Penland, 88, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away on October 29, 2026. She was born on May 16, 1938, in Kannapolis, North Carolina, to Margaret and Clegg Eudy.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents and by her beloved husband, Dr. Arnold Clifford Penland Jr.

She is survived by her daughters, Marcia Penland Schingel (David) of Asheville, North Carolina, and Beth Penland Causey (John) of Charlotte, North Carolina; and her cherished grandchildren, Luke Schingel, Matthew Schingel (Sorell), Jamison Causey, and Andrew Causey.

Joan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a master's degree in education from East Carolina University. She dedicated her professional life to music education, teaching throughout the Southeast. She spent more than 30 years inspiring students in Gainesville, Florida at Fort Clarke, Lincoln, and Westwood Middle Schools.

A committed educator and leader, Joan was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the professional society for women educators, and served in several leadership positions over the years.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Joan found great joy in cooking, baking, and candy making. Her love of collecting cookbooks was legendary, and at one point her collection filled three floor-to-ceiling walls of her bonus room. She delighted in sharing her culinary creations with family and friends.

Before moving to Charlotte six years ago to be closer to family, Joan was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Gainesville, Florida. She faithfully supported the church's music programs and treasured her close friendships, especially with her Wednesday Night Ladies group, which gathered weekly for more than twenty years to share meals, crafts, games, laughter, and fellowship.

Joan will be remembered for her love of music, her dedication to education, her generosity, and the deep care she showed to her family, friends, students, and community.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date in China Grove, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Montreat Music Fund at First Presbyterian Church, Gainesville, Florida.