Joanne Valentine

On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Joanne Valentine, age 92, a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and beloved member of her family and community, went home to be with the Lord on May 20, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by love and peace.
Joanne was born January 16, 1933, in Fulton, Kentucky to Loren and Cora Nelms. Beautiful and spirited, she was crowned Miss Fulton County her senior year of high school, and immediately upon graduation left her small town for the city-life of Memphis, Tennessee. There she met and married the love of her life, "Will", and together they built a life they loved. She was married for fifty-six years, raised three children, and was actively involved in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a devoted wife, a cherished mom, and a prized "Nonnie" for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and a loving aunt and dear friend.
Before being side-lined by a debilitating stroke, in her 80's Joanne was active in her community. She believed that life was not about self, but about service to God and others. Joanne served Hall County as a member of the school board from 1997-2000. She was also on the board of My Sister's Place, a non-profit homeless shelter for women and children, for many years. For thirteen years, she served the children of Hall County as a member of the Citizens Review Panel of Hall County Juvenile Court. Joanne taught Sunday School at Lakewood Baptist Church, where she was also involved with prison ministry. She was a mentor to children at Sardis Elementary, and she served with Hall County Right to Life.
To family and friends who knew her best, Joanne lived with a twinkle in her eye and a spring in her step. She was full of fun, full of life, and full of love. She didn't believe in putting on airs, could have cared less about being politically correct, and always looked for things to be thankful for--even after she became completely bedridden. She was truly one-of-a-kind, and hers was a life well lived.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, her three siblings, and her precious husband. She is survived by her son, Rick (Susan), son, David (Dana), and daughter, Christina Adams (Terry). Grandchildren: Christina, Billy (Natalie), Steven (Lyndsey), Tommy (Therese), Diana, Daniel, John (Lyndsey), Mary Jones (Billy), Michael, Joanna Adams, Kindra Isaacs (David), and Shanna Hornsby (Chris). Great-grandchildren: Billy, Andy, Anna, Paul, Maria, Jude, Lilly, James, Elias, Elsa, June, Joe, William, Rosa, Ena, Sam, Thomas, Drew, Emersyn, Adelaide, Annabella, Chapel, Tate and Harper, and loved nieces and nephews.
It was Joanne's desire to have her earthly remains laid to rest at a simple private family graveside service surrounded by family and officiated by her beloved pastor and friend, Dr. Tom Smiley.
The family wishes to thank her faithful caregivers: Stephanie, Daveda, Priscilla and April, as well as the NEGA Hospice team: Rosa, Kerry and Angela. She, and her family, loved each of you and were grateful for your years of kindness and care.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations be made to My Sister's Place, Gainesville, GA.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Rd., Gainesville, Ga. 30504 is in charge of the arrangements.
Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com
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