Joan Zilinger, 84

April 22, 1941  –  March 28, 2026

Joan Koutnik Zilinger passed away on March 28, 2026, in New Albany, Mississippi, at the age of 84.

She was born on April 22, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, to William and Jeanette Koutnik. Joan lived a life marked by love, kindness, and creativity, and she carried those qualities with her in every season of life. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose presence brought comfort and warmth to all who knew her.

Joan was united in marriage to her loving husband of 51 years, Roy Zilinger, and together they built a life centered on family, faithfulness, and shared memories. She was a proud and caring mother to Jim Smith and his wife Sandra, Edward Smith and his wife Wanda, Mike Lane and his late wife Rhonda, Shelly Ryetsche and her husband Eugene, Sherri Rhynes and her husband Ronnie, and Sheila Biffle and her husband David. Her family was the heart of her world, and she found her greatest joy in caring for them and preparing meals that brought everyone together.

She is survived by her sister, Donna Pace late husband Eddie, and her brother, William Koutnik (Jamie). Joan also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, Josh Smith, Cory Grass, Jacob Smith, Ashley Lane, Dayna Peterson, Sabrina Welch, Alyssa Kiddy, Kendall Lane, JR Killinger, Cameron Killinger, and Noah Rhynes, along with thirteen great-grandchildren, Joel, Landen, Lylie, Easton, Rheagan, Aurora, Ezra, Abel, Ollie, Della, Journi, J’Khai, and Walker. She was also blessed with two cherished friends whom she loved as daughters, Aileen Canfield and Theresa Dotson.

Joan worked at Jewel Food Store and Deli for several years, where her dependable nature and kind spirit were appreciated by those around her. Outside of work, she enjoyed painting rocks and leaving them in random places for others to find. This simple and thoughtful hobby reflected her creative heart and her desire to brighten someone else’s day. She even shared her painted rocks through her Facebook page, Gma’s Rocks, spreading joy in a unique and personal way.

Above all else, Joan’s absolute favorite thing in life was taking care of her family. She was a wonderful cook, and her kitchen was often a place of comfort, laughter, and togetherness. Her love was steady and sincere, and she will be remembered for the many ways she nurtured those around her. Joan was loving, kind, and creative, and those beautiful qualities will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her late daughter-in-law Rhonda, and brother-in-law Eddie, and by the many loved ones who went before her. Her memory will remain a treasured blessing to all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Services to honor her life will be on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 3:00pm and a visitation prior starting at 1:00pm. All to be held at United Funeral Service. Burial will be at Ingomar Cemetery

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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