JoAnn Newsome Faulkner

JoAnn Newsome Faulkner

Augusta, GA – Mrs. JoAnn Newsome Faulkner, loving wife of Richard C. (Rick) Faulkner, entered into rest on Saturday, March 6, 2021. Born January 24, 1948, she was the oldest daughter of the late J. Lester Newsome and Mary Alma Newsome.

JoAnn was a native and lifelong resident of Augusta. She was a graduate of Aquinas High School, class of 1966, and soon thereafter was employed by Georgia Railroad Bank & Trust Co. A devoted and loving mother to her three children, she was always the avid fan of any of their interests. She was crowned the first Miss McDonald in 1964 by the McDonald's Corporation soon after their arrival to Augusta. She was past president and a member of the Augusta Jaycettes for many years, and actively worked on the Miss Augusta pageant during that time. She was an active member and volunteer at Riverview Church.

JoAnn always brought levity to any situation, and always had a story to tell about her antics and escapades of her younger years, keeping everyone enthralled by her storytelling ability. She loved life and anyone who knew her, loved her. Her favorite place on earth was the beach and every chance she got, she was there with her friends or grandchildren. She adored all of her grandchildren, and they, likewise, adored their Gammie.

Family members, in addition to her husband, include her children, Louise Elsey Braden (Virgil), Larry Elsey (Jennifer), Lawson Elsey (girlfriend Ashley); stepsons Nick Faulkner (Brandy), Nathan Faulkner (Julie), and Nolan Faulkner (Angie); grandchildren, Logan Braden (girlfriend McKenzie) and Lindy Braden, Ellen Cowper (Jay), Scott Elsey (Darien), Finn and Duncan Elsey, Savannah and Cassidy Elsey, Trent and Peyton Faulkner, Fisher and Carter Faulkner, Bailey Kitchens, Everly Faulkner, and great grandchildren: Bentlee Grace Braden and Pierce Elsey; brother, Joseph “Joey” L. Newsome (Debbie); and sisters: Debbie Nevils Farr (Pat) and Teresa Quarles (Doug). She is preceded in death by grandson, Franklin Elsey.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Riverview Church with Rev. Mark Maund officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery. The family will celebrate her life after the service at the home of her sister and brother-in-law, Teresa & Doug Quarles

Memorial contributions may be made to Riverview Church, 1244 Furys Ferry Rd, Evans, GA 30809.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com