OBITUARY: JoAnn E. Francis

After several years a weakening condition, JoAnn Evelyn Jayroe Francis stopped breathing and passed away at home in Hendersonville, Tennessee, April 26, 2025, at age 86.

Viewing will be 11:00am to 2:00pm; an informal service will be at 2:00pm, Thursday May 1, at Hendersonville Funeral Home, 353 E Main St., Hendersonville, TN.

JoAnn Jayroe was born July 23, 1938 in Tampa, Florida to Robert and Marylyn Jayroe. JoAnn was preceded in death by her two siblings, Roberta and James. Both siblings were older than JoAnn.

JoAnn married Melvin Warren Brewer and the two had four children: Melvin Warren Brewer, Jr., Kendall Joseph Brewer, Robert Vernon Brewer and Cheryl Denise Brewer. JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband Melvin and son Kendall.

JoAnn was influenced by her parental family. On the maternal side was a line of Seventh-day Adventists, hence her belief in a healthy life style, excluding alcoholic drinks in any form. Her Uncle, Leslie Pitton Sr., was a Seventh-day Adventist hospital administrator, and her cousin Les Jr. was a pastor.

She often spoke adorably about her grandmother Irene Pitton. Grandmother Irene, a registered nurse, undoubtedly was an influence for JoAnn to go to nursing school. She became an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse).

Around this time, at 32, (about 1970) she met Bob Francis when she was taking care of his grandmother at a hospital in Tampa. He was impressed by the warmth and kindness JoAnn showed his grandmother. Within a year JoAnn and Bob were married.

Anecdote: The hospital changed its name to St. Francis Hospital. JoAnn was noted for her strong, beautiful voice and singing ability.