Obituary for JoAnn Edwards
JoAnn Edwards was born on Thursday, May 28, 1942, to Sanford and Josephine Stone, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She gained her angel wings on Friday, July 15, 2022, when she peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior. JoAnn was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Billy Joe Edwards; sister, Shirley Dunn and niece, Gina Seals. JoAnn accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age. She was a faithful and dedicated member of Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church where she devoted years of faithful service as a Sunday School attendee, Deaconess, Trustee Wife, member of the Women’s Ministry, and a Vacation Bible School teacher among other volunteer efforts. She had continuous membership in a book club and was a member of Tennessee State University National Alumni Association.
JoAnn grew up in Chattanooga, where she attended Booker T. Washington High School. After graduating High School, she continued her education at Tennessee State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. That was where she met the love of her life, Billy Joe Edwards, who she called “Bae.” They married on August 13, 1966 and were blessed with two amazing children…Todd and Tracee. While a military wife, JoAnn’s love for children and learning led her to teach in Rome, New York and finally Chattanooga, Tennessee where she taught at Hemlock Elementary School, Highland Park Elementary School, and Orchard Knob Elementary School. She retired from the Hamilton County Department of Education. JoAnn was incredibly passionate about her work and children. She earned the respect of so many of her peers. JoAnn was known for her charismatic and poised personality as well as her humble spirit. JoAnn was giving, caring and selfless. She would do anything for anyone. Selflessness and generosity are two traits that highlighted her personality. She was selfless in helping others, whether giving advice, cooking a meal, or lending a listening ear. Her favorite hobbies included growing African Violets, golfing, bowling, working out at the YMCA and spending time with her loved ones. She was a devoted grandmother to her eight grandchildren.
She leaves to cherish precious memories, her son, Todd (Latrice) Edwards; daughter, Tracee (Michael) Dozier; granddaughters, Brandi (Andrew) Scott, Akiylah Edwards, Canisha Johnson, Mykia Dozier, Dacia Edwards, and Alayah Dozier; grandsons, Todd Edwards and Kamden Edwards; five great grandchildren, I’Leyana Edwards, Carter Dozier, Zaria Edwards, Dru Scott, and Trey Scott; loving sister, Joy Lynn (Albert) Harden; loving brother, Sanford (Delphia) Stone; three nieces, Tara Stone, Erica (Michael) Gordon and devoted niece, Tan Harden; three nephews, Randy Dunn, Terry Stone, and Brian Stone; three sisters-in-law; Sharon (Charles) Daniels, Darlene (Louis) Sydney and Valerie Traylor; her Heaven-sent caregiver, Rosa Clack who called her “Mom” (We could not have made it without her.) and a host of other relatives and many close friends.
Public viewing will be held from 10:00 AM-11:30 AM, on Friday, July 29, 2022, followed by a funeral service at 11:30 AM, at Orchard Knob Baptist Church, 1734 East Third Street. Interment: Chattanooga National Cemetery
Arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 423-622-9995.
JoAnn grew up in Chattanooga, where she attended Booker T. Washington High School. After graduating High School, she continued her education at Tennessee State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. That was where she met the love of her life, Billy Joe Edwards, who she called “Bae.” They married on August 13, 1966 and were blessed with two amazing children…Todd and Tracee. While a military wife, JoAnn’s love for children and learning led her to teach in Rome, New York and finally Chattanooga, Tennessee where she taught at Hemlock Elementary School, Highland Park Elementary School, and Orchard Knob Elementary School. She retired from the Hamilton County Department of Education. JoAnn was incredibly passionate about her work and children. She earned the respect of so many of her peers. JoAnn was known for her charismatic and poised personality as well as her humble spirit. JoAnn was giving, caring and selfless. She would do anything for anyone. Selflessness and generosity are two traits that highlighted her personality. She was selfless in helping others, whether giving advice, cooking a meal, or lending a listening ear. Her favorite hobbies included growing African Violets, golfing, bowling, working out at the YMCA and spending time with her loved ones. She was a devoted grandmother to her eight grandchildren.
She leaves to cherish precious memories, her son, Todd (Latrice) Edwards; daughter, Tracee (Michael) Dozier; granddaughters, Brandi (Andrew) Scott, Akiylah Edwards, Canisha Johnson, Mykia Dozier, Dacia Edwards, and Alayah Dozier; grandsons, Todd Edwards and Kamden Edwards; five great grandchildren, I’Leyana Edwards, Carter Dozier, Zaria Edwards, Dru Scott, and Trey Scott; loving sister, Joy Lynn (Albert) Harden; loving brother, Sanford (Delphia) Stone; three nieces, Tara Stone, Erica (Michael) Gordon and devoted niece, Tan Harden; three nephews, Randy Dunn, Terry Stone, and Brian Stone; three sisters-in-law; Sharon (Charles) Daniels, Darlene (Louis) Sydney and Valerie Traylor; her Heaven-sent caregiver, Rosa Clack who called her “Mom” (We could not have made it without her.) and a host of other relatives and many close friends.
Public viewing will be held from 10:00 AM-11:30 AM, on Friday, July 29, 2022, followed by a funeral service at 11:30 AM, at Orchard Knob Baptist Church, 1734 East Third Street. Interment: Chattanooga National Cemetery
Arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 423-622-9995.