Joanne Wells Tarver

Obituary For Joanne Wells Tarver

Mrs. Joanne Wells Tarver, age 77 transitioned from this earthly realm unto her heavenly reward on December 10, 2024 in Bibb County Hospital, Macon GA.

Homegoing Celebration will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 9815 Highway 17 South, Louisville, GA. Eulogist will be her son, Elder Ricky Wells. Interment will be held in the Mt. Olive Baptist Church Cemetery.

Public viewing will be held Friday, December 13, 2024 from 3:00 - 6:00 P.M.

Joanne was born July 22, 1947 in Midville, Ga. She was the only child of the late Ms. Josie Wells. At an early age after the death of her mother, Joanne was raised by her late uncle Freeman Wells along with her cousin the late Ed Willie Wells with love, care, and protection for her needs for many years.

Joanne obtained an education in the Burke County school system.

Joanne’s love for God and attending church with her family as a little girl, really inspired her to join St. Paul Baptist Church in Midville, GA at an early age.

On September 22, 1968 she was united in marriage to the love of her life the late Charlie Tarver. Shortly after marriage she joined Mount Olive Baptist Church of Louisville, GA by the side of her husband, who was a Deacon. Joanne loved singing in the church choir, and she served faithfully as a Deaconess until her health wouldn't permit her to serve.

In May 19, 1988, Joanne became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Rising Star Chapter #31 of Louisville, GA.

Joanne was a fierce woman, always wanting to help others by caring for several of the neighbors children and did domestic work for many years. She started employment on February 13, 1989, with Louisville City Hall; in a position of housekeeping for 29 years until she retired. Joanne worked part time with Jefferson County Library as well. On many occasions Joanne would refer to her employers, coworkers, the Jefferson County Police, and Fire Department as her extended family for all the love shown down through the years.

Joanne was entertained by watching old television shows which she grew up watching such as Perry Mason, Madlock, Three Stooges, Cartoons and Channel 12 news. Her hobbies were enjoying the music of various Gospel and R & B artists, word puzzles, gardening and reading the Holy Bible as well as reading the local newspaper, the News and Farmer / The Jefferson Reporter. Also, she loved having conversations on the telephone for lengthy hours, cooking and gathering with family and friends to share in fun, laughter of her childhood memories, playing cards and listening to Old School music while dancing across the floor.

In March of 2020, Joanne transferred to Southland Rehabilitation Nursing Home of Dublin, GA due to illness. Her high-spirited personality would cause staff members and residents to stop by her room for random laughs and conversations. Later, after an extended stay in the hospital for several health issues; Joanne was transferred to Pruitt Healthcare Rehabilitation Nursing Home in Macon, GA.

Joanne is preceded in death by her mother, husband, uncle, Freeman Wells, cousin, Ed Willie Wells, mother-in-law, Cora Huntley, father -in- law, Ben Huntley Sr., devoted sister-in-law, Vinnie Malloy, and faithful friend/brother, Dr. Roy A. Jackson.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her loving devoted son and daughter-in-law, Elder Ricky (Elder Ruby) Wells Louisville, GA; one granddaughter, Brittany Woods Tampa, FL; two step granddaughters, Jaquana Howell Augusta, GA; Jaquita (Tory)Thomas Combs, Louisville, GA; three great grandchildren Malaya, Malaysia, and Ti'nori Warren Tampa, FL; four step great grandchildren Tyquavius, Jamoijnee Howell, and Gia Hayes Augusta, GA; and Toryon Combs Louisville, GA; six sister-in-laws, Delois Huntley, McDonough, GA; Josie Bell Hadden, Huntsville, AL; Annie Dora Roberts, Marietta, GA; Alvonia Stroizer, Jonesboro, GA; Daisy (Ben Jr.) Carr, Graniteville, SC; Jacqueline White, Hephzibah, GA; also six brother-in-laws, Ben Huntley Jr. Lithonia, GA; Abe (Carolyn) Huntley, Louisville, GA; Kris (Patricia) Huntley, Conyers, GA; James Huntley and Donnell(Nicole) Huntley, Fairburn, GA and Ronnell Huntley, Albany, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.