JoAnn (Wilson) Thomas

With profound sadness we share the passing of JoAnn Wilson Thomas, 78, our loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to all. She passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at Novant Health Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House.

Born in Blacksburg, SC on February 6, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Pauline Isler and Jim Wilson.

JoAnn graduated from West Rowan High School and Salisbury Business College. She worked as a contract specialist at the W.G. Bill Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury. She was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church, the WELCA, and the church council, along with many other roles. JoAnn dearly loved her church family.

JoAnn was known for her vivacious personality. She was funny, outgoing, loving, and never met a stranger. Her infectious smile and caring personality will forever be her lasting impression. First and foremost, she will be remembered as a dedicated mother and grandmother. She truly treasured her girls and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Memama.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Herbert Wilson and Bill Wilson and sister-in-law, Toby Wilson.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Ron Thomas, whom she married on August 18, 1963; daughters, Melissa Thomas Shue (Mark) of Salisbury and Jenny Thomas of China Grove; brother, Dr. Robert Wilson (Peggy) of Salisbury; sister, Mary Ellen Weddington (Ralph) of Charlotte; sister-in-law, Peggy Jean Wilson of Cramerton, NC; grandchildren, Garrett Bean (Linh), Anna Shue, Caroline Shue Blake (Jake), and Graham Shue; great-grandchild, Owen Shrewsbury, and her nieces and nephews who were so extremely special to her.

Due to COVID a private celebration of life will be held for the family.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 23, Spencer, NC 28159 or The Terrie Hess House, 130 Woodson St., Salisbury, NC 28144.

Lyerly Funeral Home is serving the Thomas family. Online condolences may be made at www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com.

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