JoAnn Davies passed away on May 3, 2025 at Maple Ridge Assisted Living in Freeland, Washington, at the age of 91.

She was born on January 16, 1934, in Seattle, Washington, to her loving parents, Edwin and Berneice Wilkerson. JoAnn grew up in Ballard and graduated from Ballard High School in 1951. She then attended Washington State University from 1952 to 1954, where she met the love of her life, Robert Edwin Davies (Bob). JoAnn often laughed and said the only degree she received from WSU was her “Mrs.” degree when they married in 1955.

After marrying, JoAnn and Bob made their home in Vancouver, Washington, where Bob worked in the family business and JoAnn devoted herself to raising their growing family. Together, they had three children and shared a wonderful life until Bob’s untimely death in 1962.

With courage and determination, JoAnn returned to Seattle with her three young children, living with her mother and attending Seattle Pacific University, where she earned her teaching degree. She taught 2nd grade at Greenwood Elementary for eight years and later spent 22 years teaching 3rd grade at South Whidbey Intermediate School.

In 1969, JoAnn moved her family to Whidbey Island, building a home on Holmes Harbor. Over the next 55 years, JoAnn’s home became a place of warmth, laughter and countless cherished memories-whether clamming at low tide, cozy fireside chats or naps, playing cards, or gathering on the deck overlooking the water. JoAnn had an incredible gift for making everyone feel welcome, always opening her heart and home to friends and those in need.

JoAnn was a long-time faithful member of St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, JoAnn served actively on the Altar Guild, taught Sunday School and giving generously of her time to various ministries. In retirement, she continued her spirit of service by volunteering at Whidbey General Hospital.

JoAnn often said the joy of life her was “being the mother of three beautiful children”: Debra Davies Vogel (Bill), Bill Davies (Tiffany), and Charlie Davies (Shauna). She was also the proud grandmother to seven wonderful grandchildren Breanne Hunt, Cameron Hunt, Talon Jorgenson, Red Davies, Diana DaviesBloom, Landon Davies and Joe Davies and a delighted great-grandmother to one great-grandson, Jem Drew.

Her family has always lovingly called her “The Rock,” a reflection of her strength, resilience, and unwavering love she showed throughout her life. Especially after becoming a widow at a young age, raising children ages 5, 2, and 6 months, she faced life’s challenges with grace and courage — giving her children a life full of kindness, compassion, and unconditional love.

The Family would like to thank Maple Ridge Assisted Living for their loving care and to the wonderful Hospice staff who supported JoAnn and the family through this transition.

A memorial service celebrating JoAnn’s life will be held at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Freeland on May 16th at 2:30 p.m.