JoAnn Waddell

She was born in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky on January 2, 1935 to the late Ann Noe Pike and Jacob Burgess Pike. JoAnn married Ed Sweeney who later joined the military and traveled the world before settling in Columbus, Georgia. After her first marriage, she was married to Charles D. Waddell, who showed her the world. They settled in Blairsville, Georgia after his retirement. JoAnn was a loving wife, Mom and Nana. She never met a stranger; everyone she met became a friend everywhere she lived: multiple states in the U.S., South America (Panama), and Saudi Arabia.

JoAnn loved family get togethers, good food and laughter. She loved to travel, spicy food-the hotter the better, creating beautiful cross stitch pieces, and playing games with family and friends. JoAnn was a wonderful storyteller, cook, and matriarch. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She leaves her legacy to be cherished by her loving husband, Charles D. Waddell; her daughter, Dianne M. Taylor; her son, Joseph E. (Cathy) Sweeney; her stepchildren: Debra Nardy, Vickie Duncan, Andy (Jody) Waddell, and Cindy Murray; her grandchildren: Kelly Rowell, Jeremy Rowell, Cory (Sarah) Rowell, Jacob Taylor, Brian E. (Rachael) Sweeney, Cheryl Sweeney (Ray) Shumate, Julia Sweeney (Josh) Sleight; her step grandchildren: Nick Nardy, David Nardy, Ashley Harris, Christina Harris, and Jessica Murray; her great grandchildren: Brady Shumate, Brooklynn Sweeney, Hudson Shumate, and Graham Sleight; many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at 2:00 PM in Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia with Pastor Susan Beverly officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Brian Sweeney, Jeremy Rowell, Ray Shumate, Cory Rowell, Josh Sleight, and Jake Taylor. Burial will follow the service in Parkhill Cemetery.