JoAnn Williams Gay

ROCKY MOUNT – JoAnn Williams Gay, age 80, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Born in Nash County, NC on June 20, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Hoyt Tunnell Williams, Sr. and Aileen Cooper Williams. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, William “Billy” Bryant Gay; and her brother, Hoyt Tunnell Williams, Jr. JoAnn was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother “Gi-Gi”. She was a devoted member of West Edgecombe Baptist Church. JoAnn was known for her homemade banana pudding and always sending a thoughtful handwritten card for your birthday. She loved her Christmas trees keeping them up year-round. JoAnn retired from Edgecombe County Public Schools, as a teacher assistant at Bulluck School. She loved 4-H, serving as a volunteer for many years cheering on many generations, most recently her great-grandchildren carrying on the family tradition. Leaving to cherish her memory, her daughters, Amanda Gay Hayes (Brian) and Melanie Gay Lancaster (Matthew); her granddaughter, Morgan Gay Griffin (Shawny); the apples of her eye, her great-grandchildren, William Bryant Messer and Lillian Dior Griffin; her step-granddaughter, Maya Lancaster; her step-great-grandchildren, Tessa Lancaster and Gage Griffin; along with her grand-puppy, Macy Aileen Lancaster; her Aunt Judy Cockrell; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Ray and Emma Gay, Tommy Gay, Betty Jean and Randy Jones, Peggy and James Williams; her nieces and nephews; and her West Edgecombe Baptist Church family. A Graveside Service to celebrate JoAnn’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the family farm, Triple “M” Farms, 4434 Old Wilson Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27801, with Pastor Matthew Mayo and Dr. Billy Webb officiating. Visitation with the family will immediately follow the service at JoAnn’s home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in JoAnn’s memory to West Edgecombe Baptist Church, 13821 NC Hwy. 43, North, Rocky Mount, NC 27801. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.