Mrs. Joanne P Zeiser

Helen Joanne Plunkett began life in Huntington, WV, the first of three daughters born to Carlyle M. Plunkett and Helen Deacon Plunkett. She grew up in a family where love was certain and the local church was a constant presence, but geographic stability was elusive. By the time she was 15, she had moved twelve times, lived in three states and attended 9 schools, rarely able to complete a full year of school in one location. She was shy, responsible, and disliked being known as the new girl. Joanne described herself as “usually chosen last for athletic events and first for academic teams”.

Her father died suddenly and tragically when Joanne was 16 on a day she described as the worst day and the best day of her life. The next day, she heard a clear but non-auditory message, “Everything is going to be alright”. The peace she felt confirmed the truth she had learned from her mother and grandmothers, and she was convinced of the reality of her Christian faith from that day forward.

Her life was marked by a strong sense of responsibility, gratitude for a rich heritage of Christian faith, an ability to connect with others, and warm hospitality. She put others first.

Just before Joanne started college at UT-Knoxville, her mother married Dr. Bruce Powers, a Knoxville widower with a young daughter. The Powers family became a stable presence in her life.

While earning her business degree, Joanne was active in Chi Omega, worked as secretary for the dean of the UT Business School, and was selected to represent Tennessee in the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC. She met Chuck Zeiser at UTK and they were married in September of 1958, beginning a remarkable life together. A local magazine article highlighting their long and happy marriage quoted Joanne, “Our life priorities and passions are in sync. Basically everything we’ve done over the years revolves around faith, family, friends, and serving.”

Joanne was asked once what she wanted to be when she was younger. Her reply, “A wife, a mother, a difference maker”. She followed through on that with a 65-year marriage, two sons, and a life of service to others. She was a perpetual room mother when her boys were in elementary school and a den mother when they entered Cub Scouts. When they reached 7th grade and there was no year-round program for the teenagers at church, she and Chuck partnered with close friends Mort and Joyce Hill to start Alpha-Teens, creating endless memories and positive influences for scores of kids at Signal Mtn. Presbyterian. She was an active member of PEO and the Gideons Auxiliary, served on the Teen Challenge board, and was a past-president of the Women of the Church at SMPC. She was a volunteer in multiple capacities including many acts of quiet charity and compassion.

The message she heard at 16 proved true. Everything indeed was alright. It still is.

Joanne leaves behind her husband, Chuck, sons John (Anita) and Bruce (Regina), grandchildren Matt, Michael (Catelyn), Philip, Laura (Tate), Sara Beth, and Ben. Also her three beloved sisters, Mary Eleanor (Bill), Sally (Bill), and Judith, and many nephews and nieces.

A Celebration of Joanne’s life will be held at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, 612 James Boulevard at 1:00PM on Thursday, June 6. A reception and visitation will follow the service. She will be laid to rest privately in the Chattanooga Memorial Park.

The family wishes to express their appreciation for the excellent and compassionate care from the staff members at Erlanger Hospital, Alexian Healthcare and Hearth Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Bible in the Schools, Adult and Teen Challenge MidSouth, Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church or The Gideons, all of which Joanne loved and supported.

Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel was entrusted with her arrangements.