Beunie was born in Lancaster South Carolina on May 11, 1949 to the late Eula Mae (Bush) Southers and the late John Hayes Southers. She was the most beautiful baby that her mom had ever seen. She wanted to name her “Beautiful” so instead she named her Beunie.
Beunie, affectionately known as “Joann", was one of ten siblings, eight of which preceded her in death: M. L. Southers, J. D. Southers, Viola Stratford, Flossie Haggins, Maryann Spann, Ruby Green, John C. Southers, and Mary Helen Witherspoon.
In 1952, Joann moved to Baltimore, Maryland when she was just 3 years old. She received her education in the public school system of Baltimore, Maryland. She would meet the love of her life the late Fred Maybank Witherspoon in 1965. They would later marry on October 5, 1970 and would remain married for 49 years. Their love was palpable and tenacious. Together they raised their children Steven, Serena, Eric and Tequila. In 1974, when her best friend and baby sister Mary Helen passed away, Joann and Fred opened their hearts and their home to raise Helen Shavonne (Vonne), Patrice (Tricey) and Johnny (Tuby) as their own. She was also preceded in death by Helen Shavonne and Terrance Gene Moore (eldest grandchild).
Joann loved her family. She enjoyed the family gatherings. She made sure to talk to each of her children everyday to make sure they were good. She was a phenomenal woman. She taught her children values of life, how to be independent, respectful, humble and resourceful. She would start each day early with a routine of tidying up the house, washing a load of clothes, cooking breakfast and would have dinner ready by five. She was a hard worker and put every effort and her heart into whatever she was doing. She would often cook “soul-food.” Her fried chicken, minced barbecue, crackling cornbread, collard greens, sweet potato pies and banana pudding was what you call true southern down home cooking. She was known for making sweet tea and often her family would stop by just to get a cup.
Music was a big part of the Witherspoon’s household. Any day of the week and especially on weekends her children would gather for Karaoke food and fun. She especially loved Jimmy Reed, The Staples and Bobby Womack. She often would share stories of her upbringing with her children and grandchildren. She always had a way of making you feel at home with her calming and quiet spirit. She was the type of person if she was going to pray for you she did just that. She enjoyed the Casino and loved to play the slot machines. She had a lot of luck and won big several times on her favorite machine “Jackpot Party”.
She was a member of GoodWill Baptist Church. Where she was the treasurer for many years. She worked in housekeeping for many years until retirement in May 1992. She took pride in her work and received several service awards for her outstanding performance.
She leaves to cherish her memory; Children: Steven Smith, Patrice Witherspoon Carter (Darren), Serena Witherspoon Felipa (Harrelle), Johnny Witherspoon (Tammy), Eric Witherspoon (Ava) and Tequila Witherspoon. Sister: Shirley Tunstall, Grandchildren: Bianca Carter, Devin Darby, Cortez Davis, Cedric Witherspoon, Christopher Phillips, Breana Witherspoon, Alexus Oliver, Kierra Witherspoon, Paris Carter, Jordan Carter, Aiden Bowman and Azaria Bowman. Great Grandchildren: Breena Moore, Major Lawrence, Aubrey Moore (Hoover), Kiara Moore, Avianna Moore, Zariah Darby and Devon Arsmtrong Jr. a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
A celebrational gathering will occur Monday, August 9, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at Lemmon Funeral Home,10 W Padonia Rd, Timonium, MD 21093-2224, at which time a celebration of life for Beunie will be held Monday, August 9, 2021 beginning at 12:00 PM.
A committal service will occur Monday, August 9, 2021 at King Memorial Park, 8710 Dogwood Road, Baltimore, MD 21244.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lemmonfuneralhome.com for the Witherspoon family.
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