Joan Swack Tipton

Joan Swack Tipton – A Life Well Danced

Joan Swack Tipton, a lifelong dancer and cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, at the age of 89.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, on January 3, 1937, Joan was the daughter of the late James Carlin Swack Sr. and Josie Greenwood Swack. Her passion for dance began at the tender age of two. After graduating from West End High School, she moved to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a professional dancer. Her extraordinary talent and dedication led her to the legendary stage of Radio City Music Hall, where she performed as a Rockette from 1955 to 1957.

It was in New York that she met the love of her life, John Albert Tipton IV. Their marriage was the beginning of a beautiful journey that took them to Atlanta, GA, where their daughters, Tammy Ann and Lisa Joan, were born, and then to Los Angeles, CA, where their son, John Howard, was born. The family also resided in Dallas, TX, before settling in John's hometown of Keysville, VA, upon his retirement. Together, Joan and John shared a love for competitive tennis, world travel, and active involvement in their church.

Joan’s devotion to dance was a constant thread throughout her life. She taught in every city she called home, and for over forty years, she co-owned and operated “The Southside School of Dance” in Keysville with her daughter, Tammy. She passed on her love for the art to generations of students, including her own children and grandchildren, a tradition her great-granddaughters are continuing.

Her faith was as central to her life as her love for dance. At Keysville United Methodist Church, and in every community, she was a part of, Joan was a dedicated servant. She taught Sunday School, led Bible studies, guided liturgical dance, and served as a Lay Leader, touching many lives through her ministry.

In her later years, Joan found a vibrant community at Cedarfield in Richmond, where she lived for the past eight years. She embraced life there, participating in exercise and art classes, reading to children, and playing bridge with dear friends. Ever the dancer, she taught a Sacred Circle Dance to fellow residents, which they performed during a Sunday worship service.

Joan is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, John Albert Tipton IV; her parents; and her five siblings, Edna Davis, Elba Lucas, James Carlin Swack Jr., Johnnie Richard Swack, and Nancy Darlene Earp.

She is survived by her three children: Tammy Tipton-Nay; Lisa T. McCoig (Dan Macey McCoig); and CAPT John Howard Tipton, USN (Joan L. Gammon). She was a loving grandmother to Molly Bridgeforth (William), John Nay (Christine), John Patrick McCoig, James Nay (Robyn), Matthew Tipton, and Lauren Tipton. She was also a cherished great-grandmother to William, Finnegan, Felicity, Rose, David, Lucy, and Vivian.

Joan’s life was a testament to her personal motto, “Just keep moving!” and her favorite scripture, Psalm 150, which calls to “Praise him with tambourines and dancing.” Her legacy of movement, both in dance and in spirit, will be cherished by all who knew her.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:30 AM on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, Virginia. A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at 12:00 noon on Monday, 2 March 2026, at Keysville United Methodist Church, Keysville VA with a reception to follow in the church's Fellowship Hall. There will be an additional Celebration of Life at the Fellowship Hall at Cedarfield at 2300 Cedarfield Parkway, Richmond, Virginia 23233 on Sunday March 8, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 4:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Keysville United Methodist Church or the American Alzheimer’s Association in memory of her husband. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA is in charge of arrangements.