Joann “Memaw” Carol Wesley (nee Porter), 73, of Rincon, Georgia passed away on February 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a 14 month long courageous battle against Small Cell Lung Cancer. Joann was a true warrior and fought long and hard from the first diagnosis to her last where she was told she might have three months; ultimately she only lasted three weeks.

Originating from Munroe Falls, Ohio Joann and her family moved to Punta Gorda, Florida in 1983. She resided there for 37 years. While living in Florida, Joann worked as a secretary and right-hand gal for her friend, boss and owner Ronnie of Ronald Dees Concrete. During her time in Punta Gorda Joann experienced the devastation of having her home completely destroyed in hurricane Charley that hit on August 13, 2004. In true warrior mode Joann struggled through that loss and rebuilt her home stronger and better and continued to live in Punta Gorda until she decided it was time to retire. In 2020 Joann made the major move to Rincon, Georgia to live with her oldest daughter and her family and enjoy her retirement years ahead. Her happy time during retirement was spent drinking a can of Pepsi with a bag of popcorn, playing games on her Kindle, watching Hallmark movies and taking care of the family fur babies.

Joann’s main focus and strength was always centered around family. She was the ultimate party girl as no matter where she went she always wanted people to be having a great time enjoying themselves with plenty of laughter, music and dancing. Needless to say she never met a stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone close by to keep the positive energy flowing. One of Joann’s favorite songs was ‘Don’t Fear the Reaper’ by Blue Oyster Cult; and when her time here on earth was coming to an end she faced her end with no fear, but gracefully showed peace and acceptance of moving on to her next life. Joann has probably thrown open the gates of heaven announcing she has arrived and let the party begin!

Joann joins in heaven other loved ones who have gone before her, father David Ross Porter, mother Mildred Ruth Porter (nee Predico), and father of her children Wallace (Wally) Wendall Wesley.

Those that are left behind to cherish her memory are her precious daughters, Wendy (Scott) Miner, Sherri (Bo) Balcomb and Dawn Davis (nee Wesley); treasured grandchildren Ashley (Ian) Dawson, Paul (Lauren) Balcomb, Tyler (Lydia) Harless, Ryan (Nikki) Harless, Myranda Balcomb, Zac (Ashley) Miner, Trinity Madison, Michael (Brooke) Balcomb, Alexus Madison, Brendan Miner, Blake Davis and Cole Davis; great-grandchildren Parker, Dagan, Jameson, Paeton, Zoey, Sadie, Easton, Amelia and another two to be born in 2026; loving brother David Bruce Porter; sister and best friend Cindy Weimer (nee Porter); nephews Frank and Tim Porter, Michael Weimer; favorite niece Stacy Weimer; constant furry companions Snoop, Marley and Meechie; and numerous cousins and friends.

A celebration party of Joann’s life was held prior to her passing for her to enjoy one last party.

Funeral arrangements in Georgia were provided by Thomas C. Strickland and Sons Funeral Homes.