Joanne Shirley Barbour

Tunbridge, VT- Joanne Shirley Barbour, 82, went home to be with her Heavenly Father and her beloved husband on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at her home in Tunbridge, Vermont.

Joanne was born on April 13, 1944, in Windsor, VT, to Ralph S. Bissell and Ruby Coral Bissell. She graduated from Windsor High School with the Class of 1962 and went on to attend Burdett College in Boston, Massachusetts.

On June 13, 1963, Joanne eloped with her high school sweetheart, Ralph "Curt" Barbour, in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The couple lived for several years in East Hampton, Connecticut, where they both worked at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. Around 1972, they returned to Vermont and built their log cabin in South Royalton, where they made their home.

Together, Joanne and Curt opened their home to begin a Four Square Church, holding services in their kitchen. As the congregation grew, it outgrew their home and later the local Grange Hall before they purchased an empty storefront that became their church. Joanne and Curt faithfully continued their ministry for many years, serving as marriage counselors and sharing their faith with countless individuals and families. Following Curt's passing in 2018, Joanne remained devoted to her ministry as a Sunday School teacher at Red Door Church in South Royalton and was a dedicated supporter of mission projects in Africa. She also worked as a secretary for Stuart Clark Electrical until her retirement.

Joanne is survived by her sister, Barbara Loyer, and her nephew, Alexander "Scott" Loyer, both of Windsor; her sisters-in-law, Barbara Barbour of Windsor, Janet Barbour Bunker of Charlestown, NH, and Cathy Craig Barbour of Keeseville, NY; her brother-in-law, Dennis Barbour of Reading, VT; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 2pm at the Red Door Church in South Royalton, Vermont. Burial will be held at a later date in Ascutney Cemetery in Windsor, Vermont. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kenya Project, care of Red Door Church, or to a charity of your choice.

Knight Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family through the online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.