JoAnne R. Piper, age 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, at 6:45 a.m. at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. She was born on Monday, July 21, 1941, to the late Joe Thomas and Ruby Whitaker Burk. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Hale Ray, Sr.; and by her 2nd husband, Francis Edward Piper.
She was a loving and caring mother to Linda Barlow and husband, C.W. and Jack Ray, Jr.; she spoiled her 7 grandchildren, Ashley Brammer and husband, Matt, Justin Knapp, Jack Ray, III, Casey Ray, Chase Barlow, Tynea Valentine and husband, Nick, and Janelle Denham and husband, Brad; she adored her 5 great-grandchildren, Reagan Brammer, Isabella Valentine, Sofia Valentine, Landen Denham, and Lane Denham; special friend, L.E. and her dog Paco; as well as many other loving family members and dear friends.
A funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 30, 2019, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, Va., with Rev. Greg Moser officiating. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Roanoke, Va., with Chase Barlow, Justin Knapp, Jack Ray, III, Casey Ray, Matt Brammer, Ricky Ray, and Randy Whitaker serving as pallbearers.
Special thanks to the Palliative Care team at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnmoakey.com.