ROCKY MOUNT - JoAnn Whitaker Williams, age 61, passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2022. JoAnn was born in Nash County on January 31, 1961. She was preceded in death by her mother, Bernice Elizabeth Lewis Whitaker and her sister, Sandra Lynn Whitaker Edwards.

JoAnn is survived by her husband of 39 years, Jeffrey "Jeff" Williams; her daughter, Tynisha Moore and husband Reggie; her sons, James Williams, Mykal Williams, and Jesse Williams; three grandchildren; her father, Jesse A. Whitaker, Sr.; her brothers, Jesse Whitakers, Jr. and wife Sabonia, Shawn Whitaker and wife Tonja, and Ron Whitaker and wife Elaine; her sister, Angela Jeffery and husband Cary; a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at 3 p.m. in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Burial will follow the service at Jones Family Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 1-2 p.m. prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.