Joanne R. Gilliam

JoAnne R. Gilliam, 82, of Jonesboro, passed away Wednesday, May 10, 2017, at St. Bernards Medical Cener.

JoAnne was born in Jonesboro and lived most of her life here. For a period of time, she resided at the State Sanatorium in Booneville while being treated for tuberculosis. While living at the Sanatorium JoAnne met and married her husband, fellow patient Eugene Gilliam.

JoAnne studied office management at Jonesboro Business College and served 21 years as a legal secretary for the law office of Barrett Wheatley Smith and Deacon in Jonesboro. She also worked for Randy Ishmael Law Firm and the Federal Probation Field Office before working her final professional career as Secretary to the Superintendent of Jonesboro Public Schools.

JoAnne was a member of Central Baptist Church where she taught pre-school Sunday school classes. She also enjoyed embroidery, doll-making and cooking, especially desserts and baked goods. JoAnne was preceded in death by her parents: Orin and Virginia Lynch Roberson; her husband, Eugene Gilliam; and five sisters: Mary Wise, Ruth Cassaday, Margaret Maese, Frances Skinner and Carol Gray.

Survivors include 1 daughter: Becky Gilliam Wimpy of Jonesboro;
1 sister, Susan Axom of Greensboro, North Carolina;
Several nephews and nieces; and her special feline companion, "Manley," who has been with her 17 years.

A graveside funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Nettleton Cemetery with Rev. Larry Bailey officiating.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. in Emerson Funeral Home.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to NEA Humane Society, 6111 E. Highland Dr., Jonesboro, AR 72401.