Joanie Gwen Walker, 69, of Franklin, TN, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 17, 2026, passing in her home with family by her side.

Joanie was born in Columbus, Ohio, to Silas and Imogene Church on January 8, 1957, and was a 1975 graduate of Central High School. She later received her bachelor’s degree from Trevecca Nazarene University. For several years, she worked as a kindergarten teacher, then spent most of her career in higher education in the financial aid industry at both Trevecca and Vanderbilt University where she made many lifelong friends.

She enjoyed playing the organ and piano, decorating her home, and gardening, growing the most beautiful flowers. Over the years, she served at the various churches she attended, helping plan and organize events alongside her church family. But her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and sisters. She was known to her grandchildren as “Gabby” and created countless special memories with each of them. They adored her and loved spending time with her.

She is survived by her children Christy (Cary) Graham, Jennifer (Matt) Gingerich, Matthew (Autumn) Maynard; stepsons Dow (Bethany) Walker and Garrett (Amber) Walker; grandchildren Jakob and Scout Gingerich, Brodie and Nellie Walker, and Eden Lily Maynard; her sisters, Kathy (James) Wallace and Cindy (Paul) Smith; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Joseph Clyde Walker, Jr., and her firstborn grandson, Levi Jack Miller.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, and her life will remain a testimony of God’s redemption, grace, and love.

At Joanie’s request, there will be no memorial service. Instead, her family will have a small private gathering to honor her beautiful life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Alive Hospice, American Cancer Society, or Glioblastoma Foundation.

Those wishing to share a memory or condolences may do so by visiting: https://www.williamsonmemorial.com/.