Tributes

JoAnn Marie Walker Waite was born in Elmira, New York on April 13,1955, to the late Leland Edward Walker and Mary Ellen Hess Walker. She passed away with her family by her side on October 3, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina, after a courageous battle with cancer. JoAnn leaves behind her devoted husband of 47 wonderful years, Robert "Bob" Joseph Waite; and their beloved children, Heather Waite, Candice Espiritu-Shaw (Dave), Gerald "Jerry" Waite, Stephanie Cowee (Rob), Joseph Waite (Kiley), Jennifer Waite (Maureen), Aaron Remson (Jaime), Peter Turcotte (Mónica) and Catherine Niemiera, along with her grandchildren, Tristan, Madelynn, Sofia, Keagan, Harper, and Noah. JoAnn shared a special bond with her siblings: Karen Vaughn, Deborah Harnas, Rose Klumpe, Nancy Personius, Mark Walker, Susan Spencer, and Bruce Walker, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom were deeply touched by her warmth and kindness. But JoAnn's generosity, love, and nurturing nature extended far beyond her own family. She had a remarkable gift for making others feel welcomed, whether it was through her famous family recipe macaroni and cheese or by opening her heart and home without hesitation. She was also gifted with a green thumb and delighted in spending each Mother's Day by having her children join her in gardening. She was fondly known by all who met her for being as sweet as the chocolate she so loved to enjoy. The family will gather to celebrate JoAnn's incredible life on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Friends will be received from 12 PM to 2 PM at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home in Mooresville, NC. Following this gathering, a Celebration of Life service will be held in the chapel at 2 PM, with Eddie Karriker officiating. In lieu of flowers, JoAnn requested donations of small carry-on suitcases to benefit Anderson Outreach, an organization that provides luggage to children in group homes and foster care. Suitcases may be brought to the service at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, or monetary contributions may be made online at www.andersonoutreach.org. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Waite family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

Tributes

JoAnn Marie Waite

April 13, 1955 - October 3, 2025