JoAnn Lynn Wakefield

JoAnn Lynn Wakefield (nee McGillivray) died on December 24, 2025, following a lengthy, but hard-fought battle with dementia. She was born in Detroit on December 5, 1941, to Glenn and Fay McGillivray, and raised in Royal Oak. She was the oldest sibling of four.
She was predeceased by her husband, Don (60 years), her parents, Glen and Fay McGillivray, her sister, Carol Raptoplous, brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Diane McGillivray.
JoAnn is survived by her three children, Scott Wakefield, Sandra Wakefield and Sarah Bowe (Mike), and the light of her life, her four grandchildren: Jacob and Katie Wakefield and Zach and Emma Bowe. She is also survived by her sister, Donna, and many nieces and nephews from all her siblings.
JoAnn devoted her life to her family and friends who became family. She served many roles in the Rainbow Girls, Girl Scouts, PTA, in the camping club, at church and within the school system. It was very rare for her to miss one of her children's sporting events, choir or band concerts, or school events. JoAnn also looked after countless children in the neighborhood.
Outside of the home, JoAnn worked as a Community Aide in Hazel Park Schools for many years, helping those who may need assistance or support during difficult times.
JoAnn enjoyed many hobbies (most revolved around creative and artistic interests), camping, traveling with friends, and events with their antique cars (1919 Model T and 1928 Model A). She enjoyed spending time at their home in Florida during the winter and their summer cottage in Port Austin, Michigan.
Visitation at the Sawyer-Fuller Funeral Home 2125 Twelve Mile Road in Berkley, (two blocks west of Woodward Avenue), Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 11 am until time of service at 2 pm. Committal service 3 pm at Roseland Park Cemetery in Berkley
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Michigan Humane Society.