Joanne William-Davis

Joanne Woods Williams Davis was born on January 16, 1954 in Bennettsville, South Carolina. She was the youngest of six children born to the Late Rev. Dr. Willie K and Marie Woods. The Woods family relocated to Baltimore, MD shortly after Joanne's birth. She was raised in Baltimore City and educated in the public school system. Joanne attended Coppin State College where she received her Bachelor's degree in Special Education. She went on to earn a Master's degree in education. Joanne received additional training in education from Johns Hopkins University. She applied her expertise in the field of education during the 30 years she taught in Baltimore City Public Schools. Joanne retired from the public school system in 2013. Joanne also served as a foster mother with Baltimore City and Win Family Services for over forty years. Through teaching and foster parenting. Joanne proved that one woman can make a difference in the lives of young people. The bible says, "Left us not love in words and tongue, but in deed and truth." Joanne was loving, faithful, trustworthy and full of joy. She loved her friends and family and she lived her life completely and intensely. The is especially true when it came to her children and grandchildren. With them, she was selfless, sacrificing many of her own wants and needs for theirs. Joanne worked hard to make sure her children were all well equipped with the knowledge, skills and abilities to be successful. Motherhood was the most rewarding job she had. Joanne was a faithful member of First Mount Olive Freewill Baptist, where she was member since 1997 and continued to grow in the Word of God. Prior to her joining First Mount Olive, she was an active member of Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church, a church her father, Dr. Woods, pastored for twenty years. For several years, before God called her home, Joanne was blessed with the companionship of Edward Cunningham, who remained loyal to her until she made her transition to Heaven. Joanne was a devoted and loving mother, loyal sister, dedicated teacher and foster parent, and true friend. In her spare time, she loved to entertain her family and friends, dance, travel, garden and spoil her grandchildren rotten. She departed this life on August 24, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her brother, Gene Woods, preceded her in death She leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her legacy:her loving and devoted fiance, Edward Cunningham; two daughters, Nikki Bishop and Tyette Williams; two sons, Robert Williams and Romarise Williams; two stepdaughter, Valarie Davis and Ann Davis-Hill; daughter-in-law, Charys Scotton Williams; son-in-law, Charys Scotton Williams; son-in-law Croix Bishop; two sisters, Patricia Brooks and Yvonne McNeil; two brothers, Harold Woods and Jimmy Woods; and two sisters-in-law, Queen Esther Woods and Deborah Woods. Joanne leaves also to mourn for her seven grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

Tributes

Joanne William-Davis

January 16, 1954 - August 24, 2015