She was born in Beckley, WV on July 15, 1953, daughter of the late Moody Rice and the late Violet M. Rice. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Rosemary Rice Smith.
Joanna was a retired hairdresser and a member of Gethsemane Baptist Church. She enjoyed playing the piano and singing at church. She graduated from Shady Spring High School and Beckley Beauty Academy.
Friends and family describe Joanna as a very kind hearted person who always had a smile on her face and was generous and selfless to a fault.
Survivors include a son, John T. Whittaker; one daughter, Sarah Whittaker Layne and her husband Chris; and a brother, Don Rice. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Sadie, Annabelle and Leia as well as a special nephew, Michael Smith.
The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 pm on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel.
Funeral Services will be private.
