Joanna Moats

Joanna Moats was born on April 23, 1936 in Fairmont, WV. She passed away on November 11, 2020 at the age of 84. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and sister. She often spoke of her favorite years in childhood, when she resided in Tappahannock VA. On January 17, 1953, she married her husband of 42 years, Lawrence Moats. They made homes in several states, including Texas, Florida, Ohio, and finally Virginia. Her final years were spent in the hometown of her heart, Tappahannock. At the time of her passing, Joanna was survived by her sister Sunny Saunders; her five children, Michael Moats, Mark Moats (Kimberly), Mitch Moats (Nancy), Barbara Martin (Franklin) and Matthew Moats (Kerah); 26 grandchildren and great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Joanna was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Moats; parents, Dean and Nadine Stalnaker; her brothers, Tommy, Jimmy and Sammy Stalnaker. In life, Joanna worked as a school bus driver in Ohio and Virginia, eventually retiring from Westmoreland County. She enjoyed her time with the students, and always sought to start and finish their school day happily. On January 28, 1961, Joanna became a dedicated and baptized Jehovah’s Witness. She was a zealous student, preacher and teacher of the Bible. In both the Spanish and English-speaking communities, she was well known for her efforts to help people draw close to God. In the Tappahannock, Colonial Beach and Fredericksburg congregations, she will be missed by her spiritual brothers and sisters. A Memorial Service will be held via Zoom web conference on Saturday 11/21/2020 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Spunky N’Squeaks in Joanna’s name. https://www.spunkynsqueaks.org/