Joanna Pace Partian

ROANOKE — On Saturday, October 7, 2023, Joanna Pace Partain, 94, journeyed to The Kingdom at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia where she resided at Woodland Hills Assisted Living.

She joins her beloved husband, Robert Thomas Partain, the love of her life, who crossed on July 12, 2013.

She leaves her daughter, Anna Elizabeth Partain and future son-in-law, Jay William Inge IV, of Roanoke; granddaughter, Whitney Clements Hawkins and husband, Jeremy Ryan Newman; great-grandchildren, Payne Thomas Hawkins and Paxten Elizabeth Hawkins of Knoxville, Tennessee; a multitude of nieces and nephews including, Georgia Pace Melton, John Langley Pace, Sue Tucker Frettoloso Kidwell, Martha Jo Tucker Arwine Hodel and Frank Vick-Patten. She loved and was devoted to her many families that she considered the most precious gift of life.

Joanna was born to George Langley Pace and Fannie Elizabeth Welborn on February 17, 1929, in Athens, Texas. She was an avid Master gardener in Texas, Virginia, and Tennessee. Joanna also had a passion for tennis where she met some of her dearest friends and colleagues.

After attending Henderson County Junior College in Athens, Texas she continued to North Texas State Teacher’s College. She taught Home Economics in Kingsville, Texas and Round Rock, Texas and assisted her husband as he pursued his education at the University of Texas, Austin. Their love of higher education took them to Kingsville, Texas, Richmond, Virginia, Austin, Texas, Tyler, Texas, Charlottesville, Virginia, and Knoxville, Tennessee.

Her long endearing life was rich with Mexico, Canada, European and North American travel. Her thirst for knowledge and meeting people from all walks of life filled her soul. She was a member of Farragut Presbyterian Church in Farragut, Tennessee.

Interment with her beloved husband and a celebration of life is planned for the spring of 2024 at the University of Richmond, Cannon Chapel and Columbarium & Memorial Garden in Richmond, Virginia. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.Oakeys.com.

Arrangements by Oakey’s Funeral Service – Downtown Chapel, Roanoke, VA (540) 982-2100.