JoAnne Williams Graham
Published 3:43 pm Thursday, August 24, 2017
JoAnne, our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and special friend, left to be with her heavenly Father on August 22, 2017, just three days prior to her eighty-eighth birthday. She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Marvin Francis Graham and her sister Linda Williams. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Wanda and Dr. Thomas J. Towberman of Keswick, Va., her son and daughter-in-law, Curtis Williams, III, and Kim of Chesterfield, Va., her grandson and granddaughter, Curtis Williams, IV and Brandy Williams of Chesterfield, Va., her brothers, George Williams of Mechanicsville, Va., and John Williams of Granbury, Texas, her two sisters, Sue Saddington of Midlothian Va., and Brenda Bundy of Lebanon, Va., her great granddaughter, Ava Williams, and many special nieces, and nephews.
JoAnne was born in Huntington, West Virginia on August 25, 1929. Her family relocated when she was a child to the small town of Green Bay, Va. As an adult, she moved to Richmond, Va., and attended Smithfield-Massey Business School. Upon graduation, she accepted employment as an administrative assistant with the CSX Corporation where she worked for 11 years. Later she moved to the firm of Fairbank, Knapp and Warren to work for Mr. William R. Warren who was her treasured family friend for life.
Later she chose to step out of the employment arena to become a stay-at-home wife and mother. Her natural leadership skills, keen intelligence, and strong nurturing abilities allowed her to articulately care for her children, husband, mother and others. She often reached out to make friends with and care for the elderly in her community.
As a daughter she honored and cared deeply for her parents. She loved her father implicitly and followed in his footsteps having an avid interest in our country’s political arena. On any given day, she could discuss political topics with ease and great enthusiasm. During her mother’s last years of life, she moved her mother into her own home and cared for her there until her mother’s passing three years later.
JoAnne was a thoughtful listener to those who knew her and was there to help others along their path. Throughout her life, she treasured many friendships that endured the test of time. Her love of nature was always apparent. She enjoyed gardening and garden club friends and activities. As a dedicated animal lover and advocate, she showered her pets with the best of care. For many years prior to her passing, she enjoyed weekly Bible study meetings in her home. JoAnne was known to be a most generous and giving person. It was customary when you left her home to have a gift in your hand while hearing her very favorite expression, “Bless Your Heart.” She will be greatly missed and will live forever in the hearts of her family and friends.
JoAnne’s loving Memorial Service and Interment will be held at her hometown church, Liberty Christian Church, at 149 Green Bay Road, Green Bay, Virginia, 23942, on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at Noon.