JoAnn Warmath James

JoAnn James, age 82 of Dyersburg, Tennessee, died Monday, April 25, 2016 at her home in Dyersburg. Born on Wednesday, December 13, 1933 in Gibson, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late Jesse Lafayette Warmath and the late Mattie Brooks Warmath. She was a retired first-grade elementary school teacher.

JoAnn graduated valedictorian from Gibson High School, Class of 1951. She attended UT Martin, graduating in 1955 with a degree in Home Economics with minor in Education.

She taught first grade for 30+ years in Dyersburg, receiving Outstanding Teacher of the Year award on two different occasions. She retired from teaching in 1997. Over her 35+ years of teaching, we estimate she influenced approximately 1,000 young lives.

JoAnn attended First United Methodist Church (FUMC), Dyersburg, where she was an active member for 52 years. She started the FUMC kindergarten program in 1966. She served on numerous FUMC service committees over the years, Homebound Communion being one of her most rewarding.

Visitation will be Friday, April 29, 2016 from 9:00–11:00 AM at Dyersburg First United Methodist Church, 100 McGaughey Street, Dyersburg, Tennessee. Funeral service will follow at the church at 11:00 AM with Rev. Ed White and Rev. Dell King officiating. Burial will be at Bethany Christian Church cemetery, 421 Bethany Road in Eads, Tennessee.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 61 years, Lester Harold James, son Michael Warmath James (Stephanie), daughter Jan James Matthews (Barry), grandchildren Laura Matthews Adams (John) and Amy Matthews Lawrence (Logan), and sister Carmen Warmath Jones.

Arrangements entrusted to Curry Funeral Home, 1984 St. John Avenue, Dyersburg, Tennessee.

Family requests that donations be made to FUMC Discretionary Funds, Reelfoot Rural Ministries, or other charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.curryfuneral.com (http://www.curryfuneral.com/).