Joanne Lucile Newsome Knight, age 82, of Hilliard, FL entered her Heavenly home on Thursday,
June 22, 2023, after a short stay at Suwannee Valley Nursing Center in Jasper, FL.

Joanne, a native of Hamilton County, FL, was born on October 11, 1940, to the late Joda and
Lucile Newsome. She was the second born of their 11 children and being the oldest girl, was
considered a second Mama to her younger siblings. She graduated from Jennings High School
in 1959. Joanne was a Master seamstress and enjoyed the challenge of a difficult sewing
project. She was the owner of Rainbow Gift Shop in Hillard and successfully managed it for
many years. She was well known for her high style and fashion sense. Physical fitness was
always a priority for her and her competitive nature led her to excel in multiple sports in her
younger years. She was particularly proud to be the starting shortstop for the First Baptist
Church of Hilliard's softball team. Joanne loved little children, especially her grandchildren,
great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She spent hours and hours with them telling ghost
stories, playing and pretending, climbing trees and building forts. "Tea" parties with them were
a must, and being the coffee lover she was, she insisted on coffee instead of tea. She also
enjoyed shopping, dancing, listening to Elvis and visiting with friends. She loved the Lord and
was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Boulougne for many years.

Joanne leaves to cherish her memory, the love of her life and husband of 59 years, Paul, son
Richard (Karen) Knight, daughter Sherri (Andy) Whitaker, her siblings: Linda Ehlert, Mary (John)
Blaylock, Nell (Robert) Lynn, Danny Newsome, Jamie Newsome, Diana (Scott) Woodard,
LaDonna (Scott) Wagers, her grandchildren: Jared (Christie) Knight, Chrysta Knight, Alyssa
(Buddy) Hightower, Ashleigh (Chris) Moore, Zachary (Josey) Knight, Aimee (Jonathan) Hoyle,
Violet Knight, Jonathan Whitaker, Jackson Whitaker, 14 great-grandchildren: Lucas & Cohlton
Moore, Aiden van den Berg, Anna Grace Knight, Addison & Rosalie van den Berg, Brayden
Knight, Ryker Thornton, Eli Knight, Graham Moore, Harlow Hightower, Jack Knight, Jeremiah
Knight, & Harrison Hoyle and numerous nieces and nephews. Joanne was preceded in death by
both of her parents and three of her brothers, Joda, Tommy & Barney Newsome.

A Celebration of Life for Joanne will be held on July 15, 2023, at Live Oak Baptist Church in
Hilliard, FL with visitation beginning at 11:00am and continuing until the service, which begins
at 12:00pm. Family is invited to stay afterwards for lunch.

A second Celebration of Life will be held on July 22, 2023, at the First Baptist Church in Jasper,
FL with visitation beginning at 11:00am and continuing until the service, which begins at
12:00pm. Family is invited to stay afterwards for lunch.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Joanne's name to Haven
Hospice Foundation in Lake City, FL @beyourhaven.org or to your place of worship.