JoAnn is survived by her daughters Laura McLendon ( George D. Jr.) Davis and Darcie McLendon Hamrick; grandchildren George D (Faith B.) Davis III, Andria Marie Colvell and Amberly Brooke Colvell and Michael A. (Kendyl D.) Davis; great granddaughters Ashlyn Kay Davis and Haylee Ann Davis.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her Husband, Louie H. "Mac" McLendon; parents Elvin Ellsworth "Joe" Slobig and Andria "An" Thierry Slobig and son in law William "Bill" Hamrick.
She graduated with a BS in education from the University of Alabama and was a member of Springhill Avenue United Methodist Church.
She loved to travel, and took advantage of being an Army officer's wife to visit as many countries and historic places as possible when they were stationed in Okinawa and Germany. When they returned to Mobile, a friend of hers became ill and couldn't take care of her dog, a female Rottweiler named Calypso, so the friend gave the dog to her. Then JoAnn began taking Calypso to dog shows and obtained a championship title for her. JoAnn was hooked and so she became a Rottweiler breeder. Calypso had two litters. there were 23 puppies total, of which several also became Champions.
She spent many years renovating a home in Oakleigh Garden District that was built in 1905. It took many years to complete the work and she did as much of the work herself as she could. It was a labor of love.
She loved to sew, quilt, knit and needlepoint. She also loved music- singing and playing the piano. She sang in the choir in every church she attended. She loved reading until macular degeneration made that impossible, then she listened to books.
JoAnn loved people and would start a conversation with anyone within hearing distance. She spent the last 8 years getting around on the city's "Handicapped Van" and GoGo Grandparent. Every time she needed a ride, she would come home and share the life story of the driver with us. But her greatest source of joy was her family. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great granddaughters, and going out to eat at the chinese food buffet.
JoAnn was stubborn as the day was long, but she was loyal, and loving, and giving, and lived life like she didn't want to miss anything....and she will be missed.
Visitation for Mrs. JoAnn will be on Friday, March 15, 2024 starting at 9 am at Pine Crest Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at 10 am at Pine Crest Cemetery on Dauphin Island Parkway.
