JoAnn Newbell was born on June 18, 1936, to her parents, Wilson and MoDean Davis Barry. She passed away peacefully in her Alexandria, TN home surrounded by her family on October 12, 2026, at age 90.
She graduated from Liberty High School in 1954 and loved to fondly reminisce on her days as a cheerleader. After graduation, she attended Draughan’s Business College in Nashville and often told stories about her days in the city.
She married the love of her life, John Allen Newbell, on August 17, 1956, whom she was married to for 57 years. Early on in their marriage, they had the opportunity to live in several different states while John was serving in the Army, but they ultimately came home to Alexandria, TN where they built a home and lived for the remainder of their years.
JoAnn was a lifelong member of the Alexandria Church of Christ where she attended faithfully for as long as her health permitted.
She worked in banking for over 30 years, starting at the Alexandria Bank and Trust Company, where she was known and loved by all for her friendliness and warm, welcoming smile.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband John, her parents Wilson and MoDean Barry and infant son Kerry Allen Newbell, brothers and sisters-in-law JC and Robbie Crawford, James “Dee” and Jean Newbell, and nephews Jerry Crawford and Bob Newbell and numerous cousins.
JoAnn is survived by her daughters Kim (Ross) Talley and Kristi (Ricky) Sullivan, grandchildren Brad Talley, Ashley (Brian) Bjork, Dillon Sullivan, Jason (Janna) Sullivan, and great grandchildren Connor Talley, Grayson and Caroline Bjork, J Miller and Harlan Sullivan. She will be dearly missed by her family, who will forever hold her close in their hearts and cherish the beautiful memories they shared with her.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who provided her with such loving care, kindness, and compassion. Their dedication and the love they showed her will always be remembered and deeply appreciated. Special thanks to Jeannie Eldridge, Susan Moore, Rhonda Bass, Marie Croslin, Leslie Fisk, Sharon Hendrixson, Ella Mai Robinson, Ann Taylor, Amy Bell, and Amanda Peyatt.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Newbell are scheduled to be conducted from Avant Funeral Home, Alexandria on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 2PM with Cody Hale and David Dunn officiating. Interment will follow in the Vanatta Cemetery.
Visitation with the family will be at Avant Funeral Home, Alexandria on Wednesday from 4PM until 8PM and on Thursday after 11AM until the service time at 2PM.
