Joanne Gordon
Joanne Knott Gordon, of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, passed away on November 22, 2024, surrounded by her loving husband and family. She was 80 years old.
Born in Roanoke, Va., she was the youngest daughter of Joseph and Edna Knott.
Joanne attended Roanoke Catholic High School, where she enjoyed playing basketball and participating in Girl Scouts. She earned a nursing degree from Roanoke Memorial Hospital and devoted 40 years to her nursing career, working across various specialties. Her deep passion for teaching led her to mentor future nurses, imparting the skills and compassion that the profession demands. She also worked in management for the Belk Retail stores and enjoyed time spent working for the Older Women’s League - a group that educates and advocates for quality-of-life issues for mid and late-aged women.
Joanne’s greatest accomplishment was her 50 years of marriage to her husband, Buck, and the family they created together. To her children, she was a strong, independent, funny, and caring mom who danced them to sleep when they were little. She brought a touch of magic to all holidays and birthdays and humor and wisdom to our lives. She loved us well. Joanne was always eager to help others, including animals, and rescued many ‘furry friends’ throughout her life.
Joanne is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Layester Knott and Edna Emma Badenkopf Knott. Her sisters, Lewretta Florence Knott Prince, and Francis Edna Knott Vermillion, also preceded her in death. She loved and missed them both dearly until the day she died.
She is survived by her loving husband, Delanor ‘Buck’ Gordon; their daughters, Jodel (Rodney) Lamberson, Emily (Jonathan) Hodgson, and Annie (Bob Klingler) Gordon; her six grandchildren, Sydney (25) and Mackenzie (20); Rebecca (16) and Joseph (10); Jackson (23) and Natalie (20); and her great-granddaughter, Alaia (4).
A private service will be held on Dec. 14. Joanne’s ‘Celebration of Life’ will be held in the summer of 2025 in Townsend, Tn., one of her fondest places to visit with her family.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and/or The Pat Summit Foundation in her honor.
Condolences and memories can be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.
Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy Daisy, Tn. 37379.