Joanne Litaker

Joanne, lovingly known as Nanny by her family and JoJo by her caregivers, walked into the arms of Jesus on January 29, 2021, after a long, heart-breaking period of physical and mental decline inflicted on her by Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on August 28, 1931, in Stanly County, she was a daughter of the late Lawrence and Pattie McKinney. She was an active member of the former Chapman Memorial Baptist Church and retired from BellSouth.

First and foremost, Joanne loved her family. Nothing delighted her more than having all of them gathered around her table enjoying the wonderful home cooked meals she prepared, especially Sunday suppers. Nanny was her grandchildren’s biggest advocate and unapologetically spoiled them all.

Joanne and her beloved husband, Fred, shared many happy times at their North Myrtle Beach condo. They especially enjoyed antiquing and collecting unique pieces. Having lived through the Depression, she never willingly threw anything away that she deemed as possibly having a use in the future. Alzheimer’s robbed her of many things, but not her sweet smile and caring disposition.

Joanne was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Fred; brothers, Lawrence Ray McKinney and Gudy McKinney; and sister, Janelle Long.

She is survived by daughters, Freida Shriver (John) and Meta Parsons (Marshal); grandchildren, Donny Brown (Amber), Greg Brown (Lindsey), Zac Parnell (Carla), and Meredith Daniels (Sam); great-grandchildren, Olivia and Sydney Brown, Noah, James, and Matthew Parnell, Eli and Claire Daniels; and sister, Betty Hartsell.

There will be a graveside service Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at Forest Lawn West Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, Charlotte Region, 1420 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28204.

A very special heartfelt thanks to the loving care given to JoJo by the staff at Clare Bridge Brookdale Carriage Club Providence and Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region.