JoAnn Simpson Andrew

Obituary/Eulogy

for

JoAnn Simpson Andrew

July 4, 1933 – August 14, 2024

JoAnn Andrew (more commonly known as Mom, Mama Jo, Mamaw Jo, Grandma Jo, Aunt Jo, and Jo) was born in Tyner, KY.  She was the first-born of seven children to Willard & Lillie Simpson.  On March 19, 1949, she married George B. Andrew, also of Tyner, KY, who had recently returned from serving two terms in WWII in the Philippines and Japan.  Our mom (JoAnn) would have a key role in our dad (George) receiving Christ as his personal Savior.  Mom accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at age 13, and was baptized by Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, Tyner, KY.  At a revival meeting at Mt. Gilead, the evangelist asked, “If anyone is here with a loved one who doesn’t know the Lord, please bend to your knees and pray.”  Mom went to her knees and Dad went to the altar!  That started a relationship of “Loving God and Loving each other” for 68 years!! 

Through their 68 years of togetherness, Mom and Dad attended and served in four churches:  1st Baptist Church of New Richmond, OH, New Bethel Baptist Church of Norwood, OH, Pleasant View Baptist Church of Waynesburg, KY, and Potter’s Place Church of Somerset, KY.  Through these years, they served in almost every conceivable role of service!  We kids never had to be “drug to church” because we saw how Mom and Dad lovingly and faithfully served!  What a difference God made in their lives and ours!

Mom was preceded in her Homegoing by loving parents: Willard & Lillie Simpson; two brothers: William Simpson & Harold Kilburn; one sister: Delores Guy; a beloved grandchild: William Andrew Taylor; and three brothers-in-law: Earl Wolfe, Ron Guy & Gerald McElfresh.

She is survived by her four children & their spouses:  Linda Taylor (Bill) of Statesboro, GA, Ron Andrew (Della) of Somerset, KY, Tony Andrew (Barbara) of Stanford, KY,  and Beverly Wells (Dewayne) of Lafollette, TN; 10 grandchildren: Jennifer Staples (Rob) of Dahlonega, GA, Brooke Pounds (Scott) of SE Asia, Miranda Perry (Daniel) of Hustonville, KY, Ashley Jacobs (Josh) of Waynesburg, KY, Jonathan Taylor (Heather) of Statesboro, GA, Rebecca Andrew of Stanford, KY, Lauren Andrew of Missoula, MT, Bethany McFarland (Justin) of Lafollette, TN, Phillip Wells (Erin) of Corbin, KY, and Stephen Wells (Kristen) of Corbin, KY; 19 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Wanda Wolfe of Dayton, OH, and Marlene McElfresh of New Richmond, OH; two brothers:  Keith Simpson (Pam) of Georgetown, KY, and Mike Simpson (Barb) of New Richmond, OH; one sister-in-law: Beatrice Andrew of Union, KY; and many, many beloved nieces and nephews, who loved and greatly miss her.

Our mom was a wonderful homemaker.  She also served alongside her husband in two family businesses:  Andy’s Texaco of Cincinnati, OH, and Andrew Automotive of Stanford, KY.

Mom spent her last four years of her earthly life under the kind, respectful, and loving care of her youngest daughter, Beverly and her husband Dewayne, in their beautiful home, nestled in the TN mountains of Lafollette, TN, overlooking the beautiful Norris Lake.  Mom enjoyed many pontoon rides during those years, the majestic views and seasonal changes of Norris Lake, and the joy of having a great-grandchild in her lap almost during her entire stay.  We are deeply indebted and humbly blessed by the unselfish and loving care extended to Mom by our youngest sister, Beverly, and husband, Dewayne, during these often enjoyable, but sometimes difficult, yet precious years.

Mom was called to her Heavenly Home after a rapid and chronic decline in her health both cognitively and physically.  After spending a week hospitalized in Lafollette, TN, she was transferred to UTMC Comfort Care/Palliative Care in Knoxville, TN.  Mom spent her last three earthly weeks being excellently cared for by medical staff at UTMC with loving family by her bedside.  Mom’s faith continued to shine in her last days, even though there were many days of non-responsiveness.

Mom loved God, loved others, and was greatly loved in return!  Mom ran her Course wonderfully.  She kept her Faith and shared her Faith until the very end; and Finished her Race faithfully, after walking 78 years with her Lord and Savior.  At the age of 91, she was called Home by the Father on August 14, 2024, to hear Him say, “Well done Faithful Servant, enter into the JOY of MY Kingdom!”

In lieu of flowers, you would honor us by sending gifts to University of TN Medical Center, Office of Philanthropy, Medical Center Way, Comfort Care/Palliative Care Floor, Suite 110, Knoxville, TN 37920; or to the ministry or charity of your choice.

Many thanks from our family to yours, for the prayers, thoughts, care and sharing in her Celebration of Life.

Linda, Ron, Tony & Beverly

A Public Visitation will be held 10AM-12PM Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Fairview Baptist Church, 6426 KY Hwy 1247, Waynesburg, KY 40489. 

A Public Funeral Service will be held 12:00PM Thursday, at the church.  Bro. Ron Andrew will officiate the service.  The Funeral Service will be livestreamed on JoAnn’s memorial page of the funeral home’s website.

A Public Graveside Service and Burial will be held 2:30PM Thursday, at Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Nicholasville, KY.  Stephen Wells, Phillip Wells, Jonathan Taylor, Daniel Perry, Rob Staples, Josh Jacobs, and Justin McFarland will serve as Active Pallbearers.

Fox & Friend Funeral Home, Stanford, KY, is entrusted with JoAnn’s Arrangements.  Guest Book at www.friendfuneralhomes.com.

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