JoAnn Burleson, 90
February 19, 1935 – March 2, 2025
Tupelo/Collierville, TN – JoAnn Wages Burleson, a wonderful Southern Belle whose 90 year-earthly pilgrimage brought joy, respect, encouragement and a purpose-filled life devoted to God, family, community and humanity died peacefully surrounded by family in Collierville, TN on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Carolyn JoAnn Wages was born in the Furrs Community of Pontotoc Co on Feb. 19, 1935, to the late Luke W. Wages and Allie Rogers Wages. After High School graduation, JoAnn graduated from Itawamba Junior College. She married the late Ben Herbert Burleson at Bissell Baptist Church on July 21, 1956, a beautiful marriage of 67 years until his death on October 10, 2023. Ben and JoAnn were the heart and soul of Sherwin-Williams Paint Store on Main Street in Tupelo. JoAnn assisted with sales working there over 33 years assisting Ben in his 52-year career with Sherwin-Williams.
For over 50 years, the Burlesons were faithful members of Bissell Baptist Church where she served most of that time as Church pianist. In their latter years, they were engaged members of Harrisburg Baptist Church where they enjoyed the fellowship and camaraderie of so many old and new friends. JoAnn had a delightful smile and inviting personality that drew folks to her. Her kindness to her family and her fellow man will be a major part of her legacy. She enjoyed reading, playing the piano and singing, crossword puzzles, writing poetry and regular Church attendance until her health began to fail.
A service celebrating her life will be held at 3 PM Saturday, March 8, 2025 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with Dr. Chuck Hampton officiating. Private burial will follow in White Zion Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 PM-3 PM Saturday only with a reception following the service at the Funeral Home Reception Room. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at 3 PM Saturday at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Live-streaming and will be archived thereafter.
JoAnn leaves behind her children, Ben Patrick Burleson and wife, Linda of Collierville, TN, and Carol Ann Burleson Munn of Tupelo; her grandchildren, Ricky Munn (Desiree’) of Knoxville, TN, Chris Munn (Jessica) of Birmingham, AL, David Munn (Jacqueline), Joshua Burleson and Luke Burleson of Collierville; her great-grandchildren, Hannah Munn, Isaiah Munn and Annebelle Munn; niece, Michele Hollaway; and a host of friends and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Luke and Allie Wages; her husband, Ben Burleson; her sister Nell Hollaway, and brother-in-law Tom Hollaway; nephew Richard Hollaway; and son-in-law Joe Munn.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons.
Holland Funeral Directors is honored to serve their friends.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
