Joan Carolyn Michaels

Joan Carolyn Michaels, 77, of Charlotte, NC, died February 22, 2017 at Pineville Rehabilitation and Living Center. She was born August 28, 1939 in Valdese, NC, to the late Joseph Samuel Michaels and Pauline Houser Michaels. Joan graduated magna cum laude from Lees McRae College, Banner Elk, NC, in 1959. Joan was the consummate professional who was very dedicated to her work as a Medical Assistant. She served in various departments at Presbyterian Hospital, worked at Presbyterian Rehabilitation Center, and was the long-time medical assistant to Dr. John Brabson. Joan always put patients first and went the extra mile to greet everyone and did everything she could to ensure each patient had a positive experience. Additionally, Joan taught Medical Terminology at Central Piedmont Community College for over 20 years. She enjoyed teaching her students and having the chance to see them grow into true medical professionals. Joan continued her passion for medical assistance by being heavily involved with the Charlotte Medical Assistants Association and the NC Association of Medical Assistants for more than 40 years. She was named NC Medical Assistant of the Year. Joan also served as the national president of The Association of Medical Secretaries. Joan will be remembered by those who loved her as a strong, independent woman who dedicated her life to helping others. Dependable, kind, and thoughtful are words that describe her. Joan has always been known for her adaptability to any situation, always being positive and accepting of what life brought her way. She will be forever loved as "Aunt Joan" by her Suddreth and Mullis families and as a dear friend to countless grateful colleagues and friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 25 at 4:00pm at Hankins and Whittington Funeral Home, 1111 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203. Interment will be held on Monday, February 27 at noon at Burke Memorial Cemetery, 2506 Burke Memorial Park Rd, Morganton, NC 28655. Please consider making a donation to the American Heart Association (donatenow.heart.org) in Joan's honor.