C. Joann Lewis Witherspoon (1937-2020)
On October 26, 2020 Joann Lewis Witherspoon joined heaven’s choir.
Joann had many talents. She was a hairdresser and a salesperson for
most of her life, but her passion was music. Joann graduated from
Winslow High School in 1955 but lived most of her life in Portland,
Indiana, where she was very active in her church and community. Joann
performed with Tri Kappa Sorority’s “Red Stocking Revue”. She was a
soloist with the Don Smith Orchestra. Later, she was the leader of two
bands: “The Gospel Melodies” and “The Harmony String Band”. Joann
worked with the American Cancer Society by providing custom fit wigs and
prosthesis for cancer patients. She was also a mentor in the Jay County
school system for “Kid’s Hope USA”, a non-profit mentoring organization.
Joann was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church choir and
directed the Christmas Eve service for several years until her retirement
to Pensacola, Florida in 2012.
Joann is preceded in death by her parents; John and Marguerite Lewis,
her brothers, James (Joan) Lewis and Bill (Helen) Lewis; her niece, Karen
Lewis Bell; and her nephew, Jerry Lewis.
Joann is survived by her son Thomas (Vicki) Witherspoon; her grand-
daughters: Stephanie Witherspoon (Travis Dimmig) and Sarah Witherspoon;
her nieces: LaRae (Ralph) Sorrell and Alicia (Ron) McMunn; her nephews:
Mr. and Mrs. John Lewis and David Lewis; great-nieces: Rhonda (Mark)
Curtis, Allison McMunn (Bill Grubb), Kara Moyer, and Jennifer (Steven)
York; her great-nephews: R.W. (Heather) Sorrell, Michael (Shannon) McMunn,
and Bryan (Jill) Bell.
Joann’s final resting place will be at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. A graveside
service will be held on Saturday, October 31, 1:00 EST at Pleasant Ridge
Cemetery in Winslow, Indiana. with O.D. Harris Funeral home providing the
arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to “Kids
Hope” USA at kidshopeusa.org.
