JoAnn Stanfield Threlkeld

JoAnn Stanfield Threlkeld passed peacefully from this earth at age 89 on September 23, 2022 in Salem, VA. She was lovingly surrounded by her four children, who were her greatest joy.

Born in Warren, Arkansas on February 14, 1933, she was the daughter of Omer Edwin Stanfield and Lessye McLaurin Stanfield, the youngest of six children. She was a graduate of Hot Springs High School in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She earned her RN Certification at Charity Hospital School of Nursing in New Orleans, LA (1954), and a BA in Philosophy/Religion from Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, VA (1989). She also attended the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, VA, where she studied Bible, prior to serving a term as a missionary in the Congo.

Following her service in the Congo, JoAnn lived in Virginia since 1968, first in the Tidewater area, then the Roanoke Valley since 1976 (she followed Isaiah 40:9, “Get you up to a high mountain,” RSV).

Among what JoAnn considered her greatest accomplishments was the rearing of her four children, and working for 20 years in dialysis and medical nursing at the VA Medical Centers in Hampton and Salem, Virginia. She was published in the American Nephrology Nursing Journal. She was proud to be an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA) since 1975. She also volunteered teaching Bible to senior highs and adults, and visited shut-ins.

JoAnn enjoyed travel, reading, family get-togethers and volunteering at the Presbyterian Community Center. She had a sharp wit, a generous heart and genuine concern for the welfare of others.

She is survived by her brother, Edwin Stanfield of Little Rock, Arkansas; her four children, Cathy Finney (Fred), Lessye DeMoss, Shelly Threlkeld (Bill Watson), Bill Threlkeld (Carine); five grandchildren, Laurin Finney, Michael Finney (Suping Zheng) Patrick Finney, Logan Threlkeld and Ginny Threlkeld; and one great-grandchild, Balian Finney.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Presbyterian Community Center, 1228 Jamison Ave SE, Roanoke, VA  24013 (pccse.org), or Salem Rescue Squad, 201 S. Broad St.,Salem, VA 24153.

A memorial service will be held at Lotz Funeral Home, Salem, Virginia, on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 3:00 pm. Private interment will be held at Sherwood Memorial Park.

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