Joe Anne Painton passed away peacefully at her home on December 29, 2025, surrounded by the ones she loved most, just one day shy of her 90th birthday. She was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 30, 1935, to the late Joe Edward Sullivan, Sr. and the late Martha Hargis (Chandler) Sullivan. Joe Anne lived a life devoted to family, faith, and finding joy in life's simple blessings.
Joe Anne was a faithful member of Kings Springs Baptist Church and Norton Park Baptist Church, where she cherished fellowship with her church family. She enjoyed singing in the choir, participating in a church bowling league, and drawing spiritual encouragement from her favorite pastor, Charles Stanley.
She had an unwavering love for hummingbirds and delighted in watching and celebrating their beauty. Joe Anne also loved baking and making candy, especially during the holiday season, which was her favorite time of year. Her home was often filled with warmth, sweetness, and the joy of togetherness.
In addition to her parents, Joe Anne was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Wendell Hall.
She is survived by her daughters, Cherisa O'Kelley and Julie Young; her grandchildren, Amanda Lindley, Keith Verhine, Lindsay Logan, Cassandra Turner, Brianna (Berek) Duncan, and Aaron (Zuri) Duncan; and her great-grandchildren, Taylor Peavy, Landon Lindley, and Annaleesa Schneider. She is also survived by her brothers, Joe Sullivan, Jr. and Phillip Sullivan; her sisters, Doris Hall and Linda (Bill) McRay; her nieces, Treva (Mike) Hall and Tamera (Johnny) Hall; her nephews, Greg (Susan) McRay and Brian (Rita) McRay; her great-nieces, Elizabeth Donnely, Caroline McRay, Isabel McRay, and Lilia McRay; and her great-nephews, Brock Bennett and Ethan McRay.
The family will receive friends at Clark Funeral Home on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 PM in the Sam Clark Chapel, with Rev. Don Rackley officiating. The family kindly invites those attending to wear purple in honor of Joe Anne during the visitation and memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in her memory.
Rest in peace, dear Joe Anne. Your light will continue to shine brightly in our hearts.
You may share your thoughts and condolences at www.samclarkfuneralhome.com.
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