Joan Lavern Batchelor

Joan Lavern Batchelor (Cooley), 73, of DeRidder, Louisiana, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026. Born in DeRidder on March 27, 1952, Joan lived a life defined by deep faith, faithful service, and unwavering devotion to her family.

For many years she worked in clerical and administrative roles, yet the heart of her professional life was her fifteen years of missionary service with the International Mission Board alongside her husband, Dan Batchelor, in Ecuador and Peru. This season reflected her profound commitment to her faith and her desire to serve others through compassionate outreach. Upon returning to Louisiana, Joan continued her ministry in Southern Baptist churches, following Dan’s staff positions at Parkview Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles, and First Baptist Church in DeRidder. She felt a special calling to teach young children to love Jesus and remained dedicated to this work until illness prevented her from continuing.

Joan is lovingly remembered by her husband of 55 years, Dan Batchelor; her daughter, Neysha Batchelor; her brother, O.J. Cooley, Jr. and Jolene; her sisters, Linda Caraway and C.W., and Annette Bailey and David; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, O.J. Cooley, Sr. and Nellie; her sister, Lorraine Loftin; and her brother, Johnny Cooley.

A loving and compassionate Christian servant, wife, and mother, Joan’s legacy is one of steadfast faith and heartfelt dedication to those around her.