Rachael "JoAnn" Gilreath

JoAnn Layne Gilreath, age 77, peacefully entered the Gates of Heaven at home with her husband, T.J. Gilreath and daughter, Rhonda Gilreath-Franklin at her bedside on Wednesday evening, September 17, 2014. She is now rejoicing with her Heavenly Father along with friends and loved ones who had gone before her.

She was born in Hixson, Tennessee on February 20, 1937. She enjoyed being a wife and homemaker while loving and nurturing her family. Later, as an employee and caregiver at Rosewood Supportive Services she was dearly beloved by all, young and old who called her “Nanny” with great affection. She lived to serve God with Purpose, passionately enjoyed cooking for others, making arts and crafts, constantly reading from her massive Kindle library and decorating for every holiday.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Odessal Layne, son, Dennis Gilreath, sister, Barbara Layne Grant Farrow, beautiful niece, Sherri Grant Parker and precious great niece, Randa Parker.

She is survived by her husband of almost 61 years, T. J. Gilreath, a daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and Ronald Franklin, a granddaughter, Elisha Gilreath and the light of her life, great-grandson, Elijah Chambers, all of Chattanooga, Tenn. Brothers, David (Katherine) Layne of Hixson, Tenn., Etycle (Velita) Layne, of Rising Fawn, Ga., James (Anita) Layne of Orange, Texas and sister Ethyle (S.D.) Rothwell) of Hixson,Tenn and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 19, 2014 from 4-8 pm at Chattanooga Funeral Home-North Chapel and from 10 am until the time of service on Saturday

The funeral service will be conducted at 11:30 am on Saturday, September 20, 2014, in the funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dewayne Renfro Officiating

Interment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardnes

The family would like to thank Hospice of Chattanooga for the wonderful care and compassion that they had with our dear loved one through these last few days.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in JoAnn’s name to Hospice of Chattanooga,2626 Walker Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com