Joan Cumming

Joan Cumming, 86, of Amarillo, Texas (formerly of Dalhart), passed away on December 23, 2025. Born on September 21, 1939, in Dalhart, Joan spent her life doing what she did best: showing up for her people and making sure no one ever felt like a stranger for long.

Joan was the daughter of Sam Chennault and Cecile Stanley Chennault. She graduated from Dalhart High School in 1958, and later married Carl Cumming in Dalhart, beginning a partnership rooted in family, community, and hard work.

A true professional with a sharp mind and an organized soul, Joan built a varied career as a legal secretary, insurance agency administrator, and real estate broker. She also served her hometown with pride as a volunteer EMT for the Dalhart Ambulance, a role that fit her steady presence and her instinct to help when it mattered most.

As a mother, Joan was hands-on and fully involved in Denise’s school years, never content to sit on the sidelines when she could be cheering, organizing, supporting, or simply being there. Her grandsons were her greatest joy, and she didn’t miss their moments, whether it was baseball, soccer, track, choir, or church. If they were participating, Joan was present. Period.

Joan loved people, and she had a gift for turning “just met you” into “come sit with us.” She was known for planning the next gathering before the current one had even wrapped up. And if you played games with her, you learned fast: Joan played to win. Friendly competition, yes, but make no mistake, she came prepared.

Twenty-four years ago, Joan faced breast cancer, and from that point forward, her physical health became an ongoing challenge. But she refused to let that shrink her world. She remained active with the Senior Saints at Central Methodist Church, and after moving to Park Place in Amarillo, she continued doing what came naturally, greeting new residents and making sure they felt welcomed. Joan genuinely loved getting to know people, and she proved that kindness doesn’t retire.

Joan enjoyed time with family most of all, and she also loved traveling, bowling, motorcycles, and bridge.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Cecile Chennault; her brother, Larry Chennault; her husband, Carl Cumming; and her son-in-law, Walter Webb.

She is survived by her daughter, Denise Cumming Webb; her grandsons, Casey Webb and wife Trichell, and Brian Webb and wife Melissa; and her great-grandchildren, Parker Webb, Max Webb, Phia Webb, and Lina Webb.

A memorial service to honor Joan’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 5, 2026, at Central Methodist Church, with Rev. Ryan Strebeck leading the celebration. A private family interment will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dalhart Funeral Home and Cremation Services.