She was born on June 24, 1935 in Evergreen, VA. After graduating from Phillips Business College, she worked at Par Gas for a number of years. She married Gene Falwell in 1956 and became a full-time mother and partner in their rental business. During their 68 years of marriage they were blessed with a wonderful son, two granddaughters, and a great grandson. Throughout her life she loved spending time with family, reading historical fiction, cooking for her grandchildren, and shopping with her sisters. Joann attended Thomas Road Baptist Church every Sunday. A friend to many, Joann was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who was always there to offer support and humor in abundance.
Joann was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Louise Jennings; brother, Buddy Jennings (Beck); and sister, Marie Neighbors (Clyde).
She is survived by her husband, Gene Falwell; son, Carey Falwell (Kristina); grandchildren: Amanda Manns (Benjamin) and Rachel Falwell; great grandson, Oliver Manns; sister, Jeannie Kress; brother, Tony Mann (Gloria); nephew, Mike Neighbors (Debbie); and many more nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A special thank you to the staff at Forest Rehabilitation Center and Lynchburg General Hospital for making Joann’s transition as peaceful as possible.
The graveside service will be conducted at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, September 24th at the Falwell Family Cemetery with Pastor Jonathan Falwell officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Thomas Road Baptist Church, www.trbc.org.
