JoAnne Walton, 92, of Montgomery, Alabama, passed away on August 2, 2026. Born May 1, 1934, JoAnne’s life was marked by steady devotion to those she loved and a quiet strength that showed itself in the way she cared, served, and persevered through the years.
In 1952, JoAnne moved from Demopolis, beginning a new chapter that would shape the life she built and the many relationships she cherished along the way.
JoAnne dedicated her working years as an Administrative Assistant within a variety of departments of the State of Alabama. Through her diligent service and dependable presence, she earned the respect of those who relied on her—meeting each day’s responsibilities with the kind of hard work that is both consistent and deeply honorable.
Her faith and church family were central to her life. JoAnne was connected with Normandale UMC, Whitfield UMC, and St. James Methodist Church, where her kind-hearted spirit and steady commitment reflected the values she held close.
JoAnne also gave generously of her time in the community through the Pink Ladies Hospital Auxiliary, United Methodist Women, MIND, and Meals on Wheels. In these efforts, her compassion found practical expression—offered not for recognition, but because she believed in showing up for others.
JoAnne was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 21 years, Vernon Walton; her father, Taylor Thomas Spidle; her mother, Christine McRae Spidle; her sister, Cora Gene Cheney; and her brother, Taylor Thomas Spidle Jr.
She is survived by her daughters, Laura Iles (Ben) and Kay McHenry (Marc); her grandchildren, Clayton Iles, Shelby Kinchen (Andrew), Krystin McHenry, and Dalton McHenry; her great-grandchildren, Bentley Kinchen, Lucy Kinchen, and Paisley Jo Kinchen; her sisters, Christine Spidle Black (Don), Margaret Spidle Swanzy, and DeVera Spidle Nethers (Bob); her brothers, Wayne Spidle and Julian Spidle; and her nieces and nephews, Christy Black, Edward Swanzy, Clark Nethers (Kristin), Karla Sturlaugson (Jeff), Erica Spidle, and Mike Talley (Linda).
A Family and Friends Visitation will be held at St James Global Methodist Church, 9045 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery, Alabama 36117, on August 9, 2026, at 1:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 pm. Commital to follow at: Bethlehem Cemetery, 2535 W. Hickory Grove Rd., Lapine, AL 36046.
JoAnne will be remembered with gratitude and affection—as someone deeply cherished, steadfast in her work, and gentle in the way she treated others. Her life leaves a lasting imprint of love, service, and quiet dignity.
