Obituary published on Legacy.com by Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory - South DeKalb Chapel on Feb. 23, 2026.
Joann bunch was born in
Columbia, South Carolina on July 1, 1956. She was the youngest of 12 children born to the late Johnny Stroy Sr. and Mary Lou Stroy. On February 13, 2026 after a brief illness God chose to call her home.
With deep love and gratitude for her life, we celebrate the homegoing of a remarkable woman whose heart belonged fully to God. She lived each day anchored in her faith, trusting in the goodness of the Lord and sharing that goodness with everyone around her.
After graduating from Lower Richland High School, she attended Midlands Technical College in Columbia S.C. She relocated to Atlanta Ga. and transferred her studies to the former DeKalb Technical College (now Georgia Piedmont Technical College) Clarkston Ga., Where she received an Associate degree in Graphic Arts. Joann worked in the printing business for many years and retired from Olympic Printing of Norcross Georgia in 2006.
She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend - but above all, she was a servant of God. Her joy was found in worship, in fellowship, and in lifting others up with the same grace and compassion she received from Him. She was a faithful member of Living Hope Christian Fellowship. Church was not just a place she went; it was a place she lived, breathed, and poured her heart into. She loved gathering with others who shared her love for God and His Word, and she found purpose in encouraging those around her to walk in faith.
Family was her treasure. She cherished every moment spent with those she loved, whether in celebration, conversation, or quiet togetherness. She was the one who showed up - consistently, wholeheartedly, and without hesitation. If someone needed prayer, a listening ear, a warm meal, or simply a reminder that they were loved, she was there. Her presence was steady, comforting, and full of light.
Joann is preceded in death by her siblings Johnny Story Jr. (Sarah), Tommy Lee Grant (Josephine), William Stroy (Oneeda), Freddie Stroy (Linda), Ethel L. Parker (Tony) and a brother-in-law James Keitt.
She leaves to cherish her memory her loving devoted husband, Marvin Bunch united in marriage on September 1, 1991; her daughter, Lakia Kendrick(Edward Kendrick III) and her two cherished grandchildren, Amani Brown and Edward Kendrick IV. Cherished memories of Joann will also be shared by her siblings
Selena Keitt, Ruth Green (Cecil), Janie L. Stroy, Ann E. Stroy, Henry J.P. Stroy (Jackie), Deborah Stroy, two sister-in-laws Oneeda Stroy and Linda Stroy. Also to cherish her memory is a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and those (even though not blood) she held in her heart as her children and sisters. Each of them carries forward her legacy of faith, kindness, and unwavering love.
Her life was a testament to what it means to walk with God - not perfectly, but faithfully. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, generosity, kindness, nurturer and spiritual strength that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, we rejoice in knowing she is now resting in the eternal peace and joy of the Lord she loved so dearly.
May her memory be a blessing, and may her life continue to shine through the hearts she touched.