JoAnn Marie (Pallister) Maness

Mrs. JoAnn Marie Pallister Maness, age 81, of Morganton, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, went home to be with her Lord Wednesday morning. Carrying on her memory is her loving husband of 60 years Harold Maness; twin sister Josephine Herder; brother Carl Pallister; children Judy, Donald, Michael and their spouses; along with her 10 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and a multitude of loved ones and friends.

JoAnn Maness was known for her feisty spirit, unending love and unparalleled strength. Whether playing the organ, teaching Sunday School, running over your toes with her wheelchair or waving at you through her favorite forever missing lens of her glasses. Everyone who met JoAnn left with a story to share.

JoAnn’s story began in a humble home deep in the Colorado mountains. At an early age she contracted polio which led to her being paralyzed from the waist down, drastically changing her and her family’s life. She went on to graduate valedictorian of her high school. JoAnn left home for college where she met Harold the love of her life. She spent the next sixty years as wife, mother, sister, friend, missionary, Pastor’s wife, Christian school teacher, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her treasures included pretty flowers, hummingbirds, bells, cardinals and rainbows.

TREASURE

By Kathryn Harris, loving granddaughter

I have found treasure! I have struck gold!

My treasure is wonderful, and will never be sold.

You are my treasure, dear, precious grandmother.

With all my heart I love you now, and will love you forever.

You are wonderful and sweet as a rose –

Not just one, but rows upon rows.

I have found a priceless treasure,

This treasure is my very own grandmother.

We are rejoicing today that JoAnn is running and leaping and praising God!

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 1225 29th Ave Dr NE, Hickory, NC 28601 with the Rev. Scott Hooks officiating.

Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton has the honor of serving the family.