Ms. Joe Ann Wilson Cawthon

Joe Ann Wilson-Cawthon was born on December 16, 1938, to the late Shelby Wilson and Joe Willie Harris. She departed this life at the age of 87 on July 28, 2026, at Alive Hospice in Nashville, TN. She was a long-time member of North Henderson Church of Christ in Henderson, TN. She moved her membership to Forrest Hill Church of Christ in Selmer, TN, where she remained until her health failed. She worked for many years dedicating herself to ensuring her family was well cared for. She was baptized at an early age at the Oak Grove Church of Christ under the guidance of Brother G.P. Holt. She attended Chester County Training School and Vincent High, where she played on the basketball team. She often shared stories about her upbringing. Throughout her life, she worked many jobs, including cooking, caregiving, and custodial work at Freed-Hardeman University in Scott Hall Dormitory. She had a smile that no one could take away and enjoyed going to work every day. Her greatest joy in life was her family. She never missed asking them if they didn’t come around and never stopped loving them. She loved all her children deeply and had a gift for making life’s ordinary moments extraordinary- whether admiring nature, worshipping God, or spending time with those she loved most. She welcomes everyone with kindness and leaves a lasting impression on every life she touched. Her health declined day by day, but she never gave up. She fought bravely and always kept a smile on her face. She fought as long as she could, and we take comfort in knowing our mama is at peace with the Lord. We love you so much, and though it was hard to let you go, God knew best. One day, we will see you again on the other side—no goodbyes, only “see you later.” She was preceded in death by her parents, Shelby Wilson and Joe Willie Harris (Sandford Harris); Her husband Rayford Cawthon; two daughters, Diane Ross and Patty Dotson; and a son, Melvin Thomas; three brothers, Thomas Wilson, Jimmy Harris, and Clarence Harris; and three sisters, Minnie Lucille Loggins, Millie Mae Lancaster, Dorothy Jean Wilson. She is survived by five daughters, Glenda Atkins of Antioch, TN; Teresa Thomas of Nashville, TN; Maudena (Clarence) Bethel Springs, TN; Valorie Griggs of Henderson, TN; Connie Thomas of Henderson, TN; three sons, Percy (Nancy) Ross of Selmer, TN; Mike (Sharon) Thomas of Selmer, TN; Montaile (April) Thomas of Henderson, TN; Siblings, Dalton Harris of Henderson, TN; Dudley (Barbara) Harris of Murfreesboro, TN; Carolyn Harris of Henderson, TN. Joe Ann is survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great- grandchildren, nephews, and nieces, cousins, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law, and friends

Ms. Joe Ann Wilson Cawthon

December 16, 1938 - July 28, 2026