Mrs. Joan Elizabeth Berry, age 64, of Zebulon, passed away November 12, 2024, at Piedmont-Henry Hospital. Joan was born in Atlanta, but spent her formative years in Due West, SC, then moved with her family to Griffin. Using Joan’s initials as its name, her family opened JEB’s Book Exchange, which they operated for 10 years. Joan graduated with honors from Griffin High School in 1978. She was third in her class and received a full academic scholarship to the University of Georgia where she earned her bachelor’s degree in physics and astronomy.
Joan was married to Jim Wilson for 34 years. For 23 of those years she was a military wife, moving to wherever he was stationed. After Jim was honorably discharged from the United States Army and the Georgia National Guard, they settled in Zebulon. Joan began her teaching career as a substitute teacher for Pike County High School. While there, she earned a teaching certificate in science. She later taught at Luella High School and then with her sister, Carol, at the Williamson Learning Center.
She and Carol began a paper craft business “Rock, Paper, Craft Create, LLC, where they made cards and other handmade paper décor. They often sold their creations at local fairs and festivals. Joan was an avid reader and especially enjoyed Sherlock Holmes and Harry Potter fan fiction.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Lee “Jim” Wilson and her parents, Calvin Grady Berry and Joyce LeRoy Berry.
She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law: Carol Berry and Steve Webb; step-sons: James Wilson and Anthony Wilson; brother-in-law: David Wilson; niece and nephew: Beth Vinson and Josh Wilson; great-nephew: J.D. Wilson; and numerous cousins.
A service celebrating Joan’s life will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 12 p.m., in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Funeral Home with Pastor Arianna Eberle officiating.
Friends may visit the family on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the funeral home.
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