Joan Brooks Kemp

Joan Brooks Kemp, 86, a lifelong resident of Normalville, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 22, 2026, at her home. Joan, the daughter of the late Henry D. and Agnes Jean Sparks Brooks, was born April 12, 1939, in Normalville. She was a graduate of Connellsville High School with the class of 1957. Joan dedicated her life to her family and to her Savior. She was a devoted homemaker, providing a loving, nurturing home for her husband and children. Joan loved the Lord and spent her life serving Him. During her lifelong membership at the Normalville U.M. Church, some of her favorite ways of serving were as a Sunday School Teacher, children’s director, and choir member. She cherished every moment spent with her family, especially camping, vacationing at the beach, or simply talking around a campfire. Joan demonstrated her love for her family and friends by baking, hosting tea parties, and making special gifts for them. She will be especially remembered for making every holiday special and for the many family traditions she began. She will be sadly missed by her children Shelly Day and husband Eddie of Lafayette, Indiana; Mark Kemp and wife Erin of Normalville; and Kelly Whetsel and husband Ken of Berryville, Virginia. She had eight grandchildren: Megan McWilliams and husband Cam, Rebekah Whisler and husband Trae, Blaine Day and wife Courtney, all of Lafayette, Indiana; Gabriel Kemp and wife Gracie of Uniontown, Logan and Teran Kemp of Normalville; and Laurel and Eva Whetsel of Berryville, Virginia. She had six great-grandchildren: Samantha, Charlie, Blakely, Colter, Kaia, and Cora. Joan was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Louis Kemp, whom she married on July 13, 1957, her parents, and her sister Dottie O’Donnell. Family and friends will be received Tuesday from 4-8 PM in the Mark C. Brooks Funeral Home Inc., at the corner of Route 711 and 146 Municipal Building Rd., Melcroft (724-455-2310), where a funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11:00 AM with Pastor Brian Swan officiating. A committal service and interment will follow in the Normalville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse, https://www.samaritanspurse.org, in memory of Joan Kemp. To leave a message or send condolences please visit our website at www.brooksfhmelcroft.com

Joan Brooks Kemp

April 12, 1939 - January 22, 2026