JoAnn (Pearson) Church

JoAnn Pearson Church, age 87 of Laurel Springs, NC; passed away Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 at Ashe Memorial Hospital in Jefferson, NC.

JoAnn was born February 15th, 1939 in Wilkes County, NC to the late Joe Pearson and Lorene McGlamery Pearson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Walter "Pete" Church, Jr.; a son, John Martin Church; a sister, Becky Faw.

JoAnn was a member of Peak Creek Church of the Brethren and the Laurel Springs Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. She was very active in her community and never met a stranger or passed up an opportunity to talk to someone.

Survivors include her son, James Walter "Jimmy" Church, III and wife Diane of Laurel Springs; three grandchildren: Brandon Creed (Elizabeth), Devin Hawkins (Simone), Lacey Goodwin (Jeremy); four great grandchildren; three sisters: Judy Childress (Wayne), Malia Shatley (Milo), Henrietta Miller; two brothers: Doug Pearson (Wanda), Mark Craven; special friends, Tim and Traci Feith, Amy Quinn; several nieces, nephews, extended family and special friends also survive.

In keeping with JoAnn's wishes, all services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Thomas Family Funeral Service, PO Box 114, Sparta, NC 28675 to assist the family with funeral expenses.

Thomas Family Funeral Service is honored to be serving the Church family. If you wish, online tributes may be extended to the family at www.thomasfamilyfs.com.

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