PICKENS — JoAnn Elizabeth Gilstrap departed this earth in faith and entered into the presence of her father, God Almighty, surrounded by her family on December 29th, 2023.
JoAnn was 76 years old and was born on July 21st, 1947, to the late Roscoe Allen Gilstrap and Helen Burgess Gilstrap both of Pickens, SC.
Surviving are her children: Joy Elizabeth Gilstrap Mathis, Kimberly Dawn Turner Duffy (Jarrod), and Torrey Westley Gilstrap (Julie); grandchildren: Jessica Moses, Amanda Moses Ellenburg (Lance), and Conrad Cameron McCall (Ashley); and great-grandchildren: Hannah and Kinsley Ellenburg; Ayla Holden; Sylas Wolfrey; and Susan and Martina McCall.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters: Cathy Diane Gilstrap Turner and Vicky Helen Gilstrap; and her brother: Gary Allen Gilstrap.
For many years, she was a single mother and homemaker but also worked full time as a textile worker for over two decades at the Mayfair Mills Pickens plant. She retired at 62 to have more time for herself and her family.
JoAnn loved the Lord and introduced her children to Jesus at an early age while living as an example to them through her kind ways and fair treatment of everyone she met. She was always there to help her family, and if she called you her friend, you were indeed blessed.
She was a dedicated caregiver who helped watch after her mother and disabled sister. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Watching wildlife and observing nature were some of her favorite pastimes.
JoAnn chose to be cremated and wanted her ashes scattered at a peaceful place selected by her loved ones. The cremation will be handled by Cremation Society of South Carolina - Westville Funerals in Greenville.
The family will have an informal life celebration at JoAnn's home with close friends and family members instead of a public ceremony. Friends wanting to honor JoAnn's memory are asked to leave condolences and pictures.