JoAnn Loretta Weems

JoAnn Loretta Weems was born on July 1, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio. After spending part of her childhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, JoAnn moved to Atlanta, Georgia, as a teenager, where she attended Booker T. Washington High School. Following in her mother's footsteps and pursuing a career as an educator, she attended Fort Valley State College (now Fort Valley State University). There, she met the man who would become her partner in all things, Albert George Weems. After completing her undergraduate studies, she earned a master's degree in elementary education from West Georgia College. Thus began a more than 40-year career as an educator, curriculum expert and reading specialist in Bartow County, Georgia, and Atlanta Public Schools.

Not only by vocation but also by nature, she was a woman of service. She dedicated long hours beyond what was required to ensure her students had every opportunity to learn. She led weekend and summer enrichment programs that nourished both mind and body. She would always say, "A hungry child cannot learn."

While she was a lifelong caregiver and affectionately known as "Mama Weems," her greatest care was given to her family, which included her five daughters-her "girls," whom she doted on and loved fiercely. She taught us how to love God and serve others, always noting that there was always someone who had less than we did. She gave the best hugs, and if you ever received one, you knew it was her way of transferring her love to you.

JoAnn Loretta Weems is survived by her five daughters, Katia, Shari, Ashley, Jessica, and Tammer. To Llana and Kiyah, she was known as Nanny. She is also survived by countless sisters-in-love, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert George Weems, and her mother, Fannie Mae Evans.

She was a woman of many talents. Her mezzo-soprano voice could often be heard throughout the house-and even more importantly, on every birthday. As Maya Angelou said, "People will forget what you said… but people will never forget how you made them feel." JoAnn made you feel seen, heard, and loved. May her light and her shining example of God's love live on in all of us.

Visitation for Mrs. Weems will take place from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Heritage Funeral Home and Chapel, 907 Church Street Extension, NW, Marietta, GA 30060.

The funeral service for Mrs. Weems will take place at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Greater Grace International Church, 2237 Olive Springs Road, Marietta, GA 30060.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the following:

backpackbuddiesatl.org

nokidhungry.org

For those unable to attend the service in person, you will be able to view the service via livestream at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at www.heritagefuneralchapel.com: