oan was born in Sparks, Nevada, the daughter of Ina (Bowers) and Gaither John Foster, who were originally from North Carolina. Her father worked for the railroad. She graduated from Sparks High School, then went to University of Southern California where she earned her undergraduate degree, then to Washington University in St. Louis where she earned her PhD in clinical child psychology. She taught at several colleges, then moved back to Sparks in about 1971 when she was hired to head the Nevada Special Children's Program. She married Bill Edwards August 21, 1971. They lived at her mother Ina's house for several years, enjoying the companionship of gardening, bicycling around Sparks and travel together. Joan retired from the Special Childrens Clinic in about 1980. She and Bill were active in the Reno/Sparks Assistance League, especially the food distribution and childrens clothing "School Bell" programs. She cared for her husband with great devotion until his death in 2003. She was 74 years old (findagrave.com)