Joan Lucille Knowles

Joan Lucille Knowles, 86, known affectionately as Mema, passed peacefully in her sleep surrounded by friends and family. Born on February 15, 1940, to Fred Ross Sanders and Ada Lucille Hall Sanders, Joan lived a life rich in simple joys and deep family connections.

She was an avid quilter and accomplished seamstress who found great pleasure in reading books, listening to music, tending her plants, gaming, fishing, and spending time outdoors with those she loved. Above all, Joan was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, niece, and cousin whose warmth touched everyone around her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Gerald Knowles, her father, Fred Ross Sanders, and her mother, Ada Lucille Sanders. Joan is survived by her children, Joel Knowles (Cathy) and Teresa Knowles (Guy); grandchildren, Kevin Knowles, Jeff Knowles, Jonathan (Keilah) Knowles, and Amber Hinkle; great-grandchildren, Emma Knowles, Kaci Knowles, Jaxon Spiers, Roxanne Knowles, and Rowan Knowles; and her brothers, Charlie “Bud” (Jean) Sanders, Jimmy (Ginny) Sanders, and Hershell (Jean Kay) Sanders, along with many nieces and nephews.