It is with great sorrow that the Lighthouse Lymphedema Network and countless friends and family are mourning the passing of Joan White, founder and director of the Lighthouse Lymphedema Network. Joan was a selfless, energetic and inspirational woman who lived her life to the fullest and left a legacy of compassion, love and support. She committed herself to serving yet was always the first person to thank others for their contribution. Joan’s story of service began long ago as a young mom leading the local PTA and Cub Scout troops, but when she was diagnosed with lymphedema, she found her true calling and mission in life. 

In 1993 she founded the Lighthouse Lymphedema Network (LLN) to raise awareness and help others living with lymphedema. She formed a Board of Directors consisting of lymphedema professionals, patients, and caregivers. She remained the Director and Chairman of the Board for over 30 years, investing thousands of hours on behalf of others. In addition, Joan served with several national and international organizations. As a result of her vision and the goals that she set for the LLN, she accomplished, directly or indirectly, the following:

• Led regularly scheduled support group meetings
• Assembled a Lymphedema Reference Notebook for physicians
• Created a brochure of lymphedema facts
• Established October 22 as the State of Georgia Lymphedema Awareness Day, as declared by the Governor of Georgia
• Planned 25 Annual Lymphedema Education & Awareness Programs
• Chaired the Georgia Lymphedema Legislative Committee
• Formed Patient Forums to promote patient and provider dialogue
• Hosted 3 medical intensives to provide continuing education for physicians and medical personnel
• Created the Bandages and Garments Fund to assist underserved patients
• Provided supplies to underserved clinics in the United States and around the world 
• Inspired and contributed to The Puzzle: An Inside Glimpse of Lymphedema
• Connected with lymphedema patients and advocates world-wide through the LLN website, newsletters, social media and virtual conferencing
• Mentored others forming lymphedema support groups
• Served on the Board of Directors and several conference committees of the National Lymphedema Network (NLN)
• Participated in the NLN Lymph Science Advocate Program
• Served as a delegate and contributor at the 2023 LANA Lymphedema Summit
• Served on a conference committee for the International Lymphoedema Framework
• Presented at numerous local, state, national and international programs

As a result of her many years of service, Joan has been recognized and honored by several organizations:

• 1999, 2000, 2001 – National Lymphedema Network, Lymphedema “D” Day Award
• 2000, 2001, 2002 – National Lymphedema Network Salutes Award
• 2004 – Lighthouse Lymphedema Network, Certificate of Appreciation
• 2008 – 11 Alive, Community Service Award
• 2022 – Atlanta Journal Constitution, Inspire Atlanta Feature Article
• 2022 – Business Radio X, “To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow” Podcast Guest
• 2023 – Lymphedema Summit sponsored by Lymphology Association of North America (LANA), American Cancer Society (ACS), and Washington University School of Medicine, Invited Participant

Joan was a unique blend of humility and determination. She was always kind and held a positive outlook. She lived her life in service to others, and she will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Funeral services will take place at Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Road, Roswell, GA 30076 on Saturday, November 1, 2025, with visitation at 1:00 pm and memorial service at 2:00 pm. There will be a Celebration of Life at Scotts Community Center, 8450 36th St. S, Scotts, MI 49088, on Friday, November 7, at 2:00 pm and a small graveside service at nearby Broughton Cemetery at 4:00 pm at which time she will be interred in the family plot.

You can read her obituary at the Roswell Funeral Home website.