WAYCROSS — Mrs. Joanne Audrey Tison Bagbey, 85, was called home by the Lord on March 17, 2025, while she was at Hospice House Satilla in Waycross.

She was born November 20, 1939, in Millwood, to Joseph Wiley “Joe” and Renna Hargraves Tison. Mrs. Bagbey was Valedictorian of her 1957 graduating class. She worked for Barnett Bank in Jacksonville, Fla., for nearly 10 years.

Mrs. Bagbey met and married Larry Bagbey, whom she affectionately always called “Lar,” in August, 1963. After marriage, she worked to make a home for her family.

Mrs. Bagbey 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. She enjoyed traveling, shopping and out to eat with “Ger.” Mrs. Bagbey was an active member of Millwood Baptist Church where she always enjoyed attending with family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was also 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 always was a constant friend and help; her Pastor Ronald Sturgill and all her church members; other family members and friends who were a light in her life.

A memorial service was held Friday, March 21 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 arrangeme nts.