Joann “Pnut” Perkins, 83, 276 Sunrise Drive, Elizabethton, went to be with her Lord on Monday, September 2, 2019, at The Hospice House in Bristol, Tenn.
A native of Carter County, she was the daughter of the late Andy J. Nidiffer and Josephine Nave Nidiffer.
Joann was a graduate of Unaka High School and attended Steed College in Johnson City. Joann began working in the local banking industry at a young age, holding various positions at Carter County Bank, Citizens Bank, then serving as Executive Vice President at Watauga Valley Bank. After banking she worked in various roles in different industries then retired from Carter County Highway Department, where she assisted in the office when her husband Jack served as Superintendent.
Joann was a faithful and active member of Pleasant Beach Baptist Church where she participated as a member of the choir, food committee, and visited those who were sick or unable to attend. She was a Sunday School teacher, Children’s Choir Director, and member of the Adult Choir at the church where she grew up. She was also an active member of the Carter County Republican Party where she served as secretary for multiple years. She was voted Republican of The Year in 2018.
Joann dearly loved her church family. During her illness, attending church is what she missed the most. She was always witty, hopeful, and positive even in her darkest hours. “Tomorrow will be better” she would always consistently say. Tomorrow has come. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
In addition to her parents, Joann was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Perkins; brother, Wheeler “Jay” Nidiffer; sister, Kathryn Collins; brother, Isaac “Link” Nidiffer; and brother-in-law, Earl Collins.
Those left to cherish her memory include her sisters-in-law, Katie Nidiffer and Carolyn Nidiffer, both of Elizabethton; niece, Katrina Nidiffer of Nashville; nephew, Toby (Carol) Nidiffer, great-nephew, Andrew (Alyssa) Nidiffer, and great-niece, Kerri Nidiffer, all of Marietta, Ga.; and special cousin, Jan Showalter, Johnson City. Many cousins, extended family, and special friends also survive.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Chapel, followed by a celebration of life service with Rev. Mark Fowler and Rev. Bobby Stout officiating and music provided by Greg Ruston, Katrina Nidiffer and Tawana Holland. The graveside service will be on Thursday, September 5, at 11 a.m. at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Junior Stanley, Alex Campbell, Clarence Reed, Larry Vaughn Jr., Richard Thompson, Tony Bowers, Andrew Nidiffer and Hugh Buckles. Honorary pallbearers include Rick Meredith, Johnny Holder, Rick Cates, Johnny Ledford, Larry Vaughn Sr., Frank Buchanan, Dean Pearce, Jerry Bowers, Doug Graham, Eddie Nidiffer, Braylon Campbell, Brogen Campbell and the ladies of Pleasant Beach Baptist Church. Joann’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the nurses and therapists at Amedysis Home Health, nurses and staff at The Hospice House in Bristol, and her caregivers for all the loving care she received during her extended illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Beach Baptist Church Building Fund, 108 Pleasant Beach Road, Elizabethton, TN 37643; or Gideons International, 609 East Elk Avenue, Elizabethton TN 37643 or www.gideons.org; or Hospice House, 280 Steeles Road, Bristol, TN 37620. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 10:20 a.m. Thursday to go to the cemetery. Online condolences may be sent on the website at www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Perkins family.