JoAnne Stutzman

Virginia Beach – JoAnne Etheridge Stutzman, 70, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2011 at home, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. She was predeceased by her parents, Julian Baylor Etheridge and Elizabeth Falconer Etheridge.

She is survived by her husband, William W. Stutzman; daughter, Cathy J. Flinn and husband Donnie Flinn; daughter, Julie S. Cooke and husband, Carroll Cooke; and cherished grandson, Willie Cooke. In addition, she is survived by three brothers, J. B. Etheridge and wife, Marsha of Carriere, MS, Jimmy Etheridge and wife, Linda; Shelby Etheridge and wife, Elaine of Virginia Beach; and three sisters, Mary Ellen Brinkley and Bettily Chapman, of Virginia Beach, and Joyce Phillips of Kennesaw, GA. She was “Auntie” to many beloved nieces and nephews and was “Nanny Jo” to her one and only grandson.

She attended Creeds Elementary School and graduated from Princess Anne High School where she was valedictorian of her class. She also attended Kee’s Business College and went on to serve as Secretary and Bookkeeper at Creeds Elementary for almost 40 years where she was dearly loved by all. JoAnne’s welcoming smile and dedication endeared her to students, parents and staff.

She was a lifelong, active member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. She was honored to have served as the thirteenth Honorary Witch of Pungo during the annual Pungo Strawberry Festival. The family would like to thank Dr. Burton Alexander and the staff of Virginia Oncology, hospice nurse Linda Wins, and send a special loving thank you to cousin, Margaret Boykin for her love and support.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm on Friday, September 9, 2011 at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday at the Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church or Creeds Elementary School Scholarship Fund. You may offer condolences to the family at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com.