Joanne L Mckim

Joanne L. Norton McKim affectionately known as Annie, Aunt Jo-Jo, was born on October 28, 1940 to the late Harry E. and Catherine H. Norton, in West Chester, PA.  She was the eldest of five children. Joanne departed this life, at the Chester County Hospital with her family by her side on Monday, December 20, 2021.

Joanne grew up in Kennett Square, PA and graduated from Kennett High School in` 1958.  During high school, she was employed at Robert Day Funeral Home in West Chester, PA. After she graduated she then worked at Lasko Metal Products and Norcross Greeting Cards in West Chester.  While she had many other places of employment, what people remember most is seeing her smiling face and warm welcome at the Koinonia Christian Bookstore and Spanish Health Ministry in Kennett Square, PA.

Joanne’s heart was always about ministering and being the best she could be for the Lord.  In addition to ministering at her places of employment, she also poured her love into cooking. She and her husband Richard started a catering business called RJ Catering where together, they hosted many weddings and other events. One of the most notable events was the Point to Point Races in Unionville, PA.

We cannot talk about the things she loves without talking about her true love, E. Richard McKim, Sr. Joanne and Richard met at Star of Bethlehem Church during choir day in the summer of 1959. It was what many would refer to when watching a Hallmark movie… ‘love at first sight’.  They married on June 24, 1961 and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary earlier this year. To their union, her second loves were born – Cheryl Ann, E. Richard Jr. and Deborah Jo.    

Joanne was a faithful servant and one of the original charter members of Christ Temple church (Greater Works Ministries). During her 70 plus years of ministry, she taught Sunday School, sang on several choirs, was the Women’s Ministry director, head of the kitchen committee, and the alter ministry.  On May 10, 2009 she was officially consecrated as Mother of the Church.  In addition to serving at Greater Works, she was a member of the Greater Pennsylvania State Council where she served as Missionary President for several years. She enjoyed being at church for any and all services that were held. She enjoyed watching her grandsons, Mark II and Chandler, play their instruments as they grew up in the ministry.

Joanne enjoyed doing many things with her family. She traveled across the country to church conventions and vacations with her parents, sisters and brothers-in-laws. The most memorable places were Walton’s Mountain in Charlottesville, VA, Little House on the Prairie in Burr Oak, IA, and the Grand ‘Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. She could also be found watching her favorite TV shows in the afternoon and early evening: Concentration, Match Game, Judge Judy, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Rachael Ray and Pioneer Woman, to name a few. 

She was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Catherine Norton, brother, Harry E. Norton, Jr., sister, Catherine E. Jones, and her baby daughter, Deborah Jo McKim.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband,  E. Richard McKim, Sr., her daughter, Cheryl Ann McKim-Avery, her son,               E.  Richard McKim, Jr. (Nicole); Grandchildren,  Carlton Mark Avery II(Danielle), Craig Alexander McKim, Chandler Monroe Avery, Tiana Capri McKim, Jimeer James (Maddie), Khalif Muldrow and Akhirah Muldrow;  Extended Grandchildren, Mickael Frison and Crystal Maddox-Clark; Great-Grandchildren,  Xenia Cirino, Calianna Alexandria McKim, Charlotte Grace Avery, Jabril James, Jameel James, Macy James;  Extended Great-Grandchildren, Christopher Frison, Moriah and Cayden Maddox; Sister,   Helen Reeves (Samuel), brother, Wayne Norton (Arlene); Godchildren,  Jacquelyn Wilson and Jerome Ruff; Brother in law,  Purnell C. Anderson, Jr.;  Sister in law  Sylvia McKim; Special daughter, Desirée A. Bowers; Special Cousin/Sister,  Margaret Hicks; Special Sons: Chanin Ricketts, Michael Clark, Lawrence Dutton & Pastor Mark Avery, and host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.