WAYCROSS — Mrs. Joanne Audrey Tison Bagbey, 85, was called home by the Lord Monday, March 17, 2025 while she was at Hospice House Satilla in Waycross.
Mrs. Bagbey was born November 20, 1939 in Millwood to Joseph Wiley “Joe” and Renna Hargraves Tison. She was Valedictorian of her 1957 graduating class.
Mrs. Bagbey worked for Barnett Bank in Jacksonville, Fla., for almost 10 years. She met and married Larry, whom she affectionately always called “Lar”, in August 1963. After marriage, Mrs. Bagbey worked to make a home for her family.
She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. One of her favorite things was to go to the Alhambra Dinner Theatre with “Lar”, and after he died, she went with her best friend, Geri “Ger’ Lewis.
Mrs. Bagbey enjoyed traveling, going shopping and out to eat with “Ger.” She was an active member of Millwood Baptist Church where she always enjoyed attending with family and friends.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Bagbey was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Larry Edward Bagbey; their daughter, Gretchen Maria Bagbey; and her brother, Stephen Timothy “Tim” Tison.
Survivors include her son, Christopher Merrill Taylor (Charlene) of Hoboken; her grandchildren, Chad Taylor of Hoboken and Heidi Taylor of Ovieda, Fla.; Heidi’s mom, Darlene Bradford; special sister-in-law, Mary Cain; nephew and nieces, Joey Tison, Brea Tison Mead and Alicia Tison; her lifelong best friend, more like a sister, Geri 'Ger' Lewis; special cousin, Margie Tison, who was always a constant friend and help; as well as Pastor Ronald Sturgill, all her church members, other family members and friends who were a light in her life.
A memorial service was held Friday, March 21, 2025 at Millwood Baptist Church.
Burial followed in Bennett Cemetery in Millwood.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Millwood Baptist Church, Bennett Cemetery or Hospice House Satilla.
Sympathy may be expressed by posting to her tribute wall at www.musicfuneralhome. com.
Music Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
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