RAINBOW CITY – Joan Gulledge McIntosh, age 78, of Rainbow City, AL passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Services were held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Collier Butler Chapel with Rev. John Copeland officiating. Burial in New Bethel Cemetery, Hokes Bluff, AL.
Born July 14, 1947, to Willard L. and Macie E. Gulledge, Joan graduated from Gadsden High School in 1965. She began her career as a telephone operator with South Central Bell, later BellSouth, and held various roles in directory assistance, dispatch completions, and repair services across Gadsden, Anniston, and Birmingham. She retired in 1997 after 31 years of dedicated service. Joan was actively involved in the CWA Local and Telephone Pioneers, serving in leadership roles throughout her tenure. A lifelong member of North Gadsden Baptist Church, she remained a devoted and cherished part of the congregation until her passing.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Willard and Macie Gulledge; sisters, Billie Jo Balenger and Marguerite Ellis; brothers, Maurice and Jimmy Gulledge; her former husband and father of her children, Hugh Don Durham Sr.; her son, Hugh Don “Bubba” Durham Jr.; and dear friends and travel companions, Ron and Barbara Maise.
Joan is survived by her devoted husband of 26 years, William “Mac” McIntosh; her daughter, Deesha Tallent; son-in-law, Shane Tallent; and grandchildren, Amanda Wolfe, Braxton Wolfe, and Anna Tallent. She is also lovingly remembered by “Mac’s Girls,” Carol (Bryan) Roberson and Angela McIntosh; her sister, Patricia Richey; brother-in-law, Don Richey; sisters-in-law, Sally McIntosh and Sylvia Smith; lifelong friend Dianne Vickery and numerous nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
Paul bearers were nephews, Tim Richey, Baylor Richey, Jeff Lewis, Keith Peek, Logan Battles, Roger Murray. Honorary Paul bearers are Randall Moon, Wes Gulledge, Macall Lewis, Grayson Kellett, Callen Peek.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff of professionals with Enhabit Hospice for their care and compassion during the last few months.
In lieu of floral arrangements, the family encourages memorials to be made to Bartow Family Resources (bartowfamilies.com) or FOP Gadsden/Etowah Lodge #2 Toys for Christmas. Joan had a passion for babies and children that shall continue in her legacy.
