Joanne Wicker Avant

Mrs. Joanne Wicker Avant, age 87, of Sandersville went to be with her Lord and Savior Thursday morning, March 28, 2024. A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024, at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church of Sandersville, with burial at Washington County Memorial Gardens. Reverend Lee Lacy will officiate. The pallbearers will be Jess Williams, Jamie Avant, Hudson Avant, Ben Avant, Drew Still, and Dean Bickham. The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 31st from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at May & Smith Funeral Home.

Joanne Wicker Avant was the daughter of the late James Albany Wicker and Donnie Lawrence Wicker. Joanne was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Lee Hudson “Hut” Avant, Sr.; siblings, James Wicker, Julian Wicker, Emory Wicker; son, James Binion “Benny” Avant (Sheila); and sons-in-law, Jimmy Williams, and John Barker.

She is survived by children, Terri Barker, Lee Avant (Kelli), Toni Durkin (Ralph), Jo Lynn Still (Andy), Grace Meyers (Tom); grandchildren, Jess Williams (Leslie), Leanne McGowan (Chris), Jessica Avant, Jamie Avant, Amy Albright (Chris), Hudson Avant (Rachel), Ben Avant, Laura Woodard (Travis), Regan Hayes (Daniel), Drew Still, Dean Bickham, Jordan Bickham; great grandchildren, Gambill Williams, Maggie Williams, Abe Williams, Charlie Hancock, Tucker Hancock, Annalee McGowan, Lillian McGowan, Henry McGowan, Austin Albright, Wyatt Albright, Tori Albright, Lillie Meier, Noah Avant, Caleb Avant, Georgia Avant, Harrison Woodward, and  Emma Grace Woodard.

Joanne was a native of Washington County and attended Tennille High School. As a young wife and mother, she tirelessly supported Hut’s entrepreneurial spirit. Early on she demonstrated strong operational and financial skills which combined with her love of learning, led her to the role of CFO of the family business over the years.Together they spent a lifetime building businesses focused on serving the community that had supported them early on as they embarked on their personal journey to build a better life for their family.

Joanne found a way to balance the high demands of small business ownership and a large growing family. As time allowed, she enjoyed being involved with women’s organizations including Pilot Club, Town & Country Garden Club, and was co-founder of Great Expectations Investment Club.

Joanne was known for her sweet generous spirit to family, friends, and others in her community. Her unwavering faith and confidence in God’s promises shaped her actions, words and thoughts and she never backed down from presenting the gospel to encourage others to open their hearts and minds to Jesus. In addition, she also volunteered with multiple church ministries at First Baptist Church of Sandersville.

Seeking the spotlight was not in her nature and this was especially true concerning civic and patriotic activities. She proudly demonstrated her love for the country in many ways but the one which provided her the greatest joy was when she was able to encourage a patriotic spirit in her children and grandchildren.

She was the epitome of a sweet southern lady yet equally admired for her authentic and genuine nature combined with enviable strength and fortitude. One example of this was her lifelong role as caretaker for so many family members. Her legacy is one of the values of a family matriarch selflessly leading with a genuine servant heart.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to First Baptist Church of Sandersville, 316 Mathis Circle, Sandersville, GA 31082, Sandersville Gideons, P.O. Box 891, Sandersville, GA 31082, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN  38148, or your preferred charity.

Condolences may be made online at www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.