It is with deep sadness and heartfelt respect that we announce the passing of Joanne Dunaway, a true pillar of the Beattyville community and a driving force behind the creation and growth of the Beattyville Main Street/Downtown Beattyville Alliance. Joanne’s passing leaves a significant void not only in our organization but in the very heart of the city she loved so deeply.
Joanne was more than a community leader—she was a visionary. Her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to the betterment of Beattyville played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Main Street program. She believed in the power of a thriving, connected downtown and worked diligently to bring that vision to life. Her leadership and insight were instrumental in shaping the identity and mission of our organization from its earliest days.
Born and raised in Beattyville, Joanne’s roots in the community ran deep. She was a proud graduate of Lee County High School and later attended Eastern Kentucky University, where she earned a degree in business administration. After college, Joanne returned to Beattyville and began working in various roles within the local government, eventually becoming involved with the Beattyville Main Street program.
In the early 2000s, Joanne recognized the need for a comprehensive approach to revitalizing downtown Beattyville. Drawing inspiration from the Kentucky Main Street Program, she spearheaded efforts to establish the Beattyville Main Street/Downtown Beattyville Alliance. Under her leadership, the organization adopted the Four-Point Approach—Organization, Design, Promotion, and Economic Vitality—which became the cornerstone of their revitalization efforts.
Joanne’s vision extended beyond mere aesthetics; she understood that a vibrant downtown was essential for the economic and social well-being of the community. She worked tirelessly to attract new businesses, support existing ones, and create events that brought people together. Her efforts led to the restoration of historic buildings, the establishment of community festivals, and the creation of spaces where residents could gather and connect.
Beyond her work with the Main Street program, Joanne was deeply involved in various other community initiatives. She served on the boards of several local organizations, volunteered her time to support youth programs, and was a dedicated advocate for the preservation of Beattyville’s rich history and culture.
Joanne’s impact was not limited to her professional endeavors. She was a devoted wife to her late husband, James Ray “Jimmy” Dunaway, and a loving mother to their daughter, Carrie. Her family was her greatest joy, and she often spoke of the importance of family in shaping the values and character of the community.
In her personal life, Joanne was known for her warm smile, infectious laughter, and genuine kindness. She had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued, whether they were lifelong residents or visitors passing through. Her friendships were deep and lasting, built on mutual respect and a shared love for Beattyville.
As the community of Beattyville mourns the loss of Joanne Dunaway, they also celebrate her life and the many ways in which she made their lives better. Her legacy of vision, service, and love will continue to inspire those who knew her. In honoring her memory, the people of Beattyville are reminded of the profound impact one individual can have on a community.
A memorial service to honor Joanne’s life will be held at [Location] on [Date], where friends, family, and community members will gather to share stories, offer condolences, and celebrate the life of a woman who gave so much to others.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Beattyville Main Street/Downtown Beattyville Alliance, a cause that was close to Joanne’s heart and one that continues her legacy of service and compassion.
As Beattyville reflects on the life of Joanne Dunaway, they are reminded that even in the face of loss, the love and kindness shared by one individual can ripple through a community, leaving a lasting legacy that endures for generations to come.
Joanne Dunaway may no longer walk among us, but her spirit lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her life serves as a testament to the power of vision, the importance of service, and the enduring impact of a life well-lived.
As the sun sets over Beattyville, the community pauses to remember Joanne Dunaway—a woman whose life was a beacon of light, whose kindness knew no bounds, and whose legacy will continue to inspire and uplift for years to come.
Rest in peace, Joanne Dunaway. Your work here is done, but your impact will never be forgotten.
