Joanna Harden Dempsey

Joanna H. Dempsey, age 71, passed away on February 24, 2024, at home.

Joanna was born in Washington County, North Carolina on June 11, 1952, to Robert and Christine Harden. She was a graduate of Jamesville High School and East Carolina University.

Joanna loved her Lord and Savior and her family and friends. Her greatest joy in life was her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, and a great-grandmother. She enjoyed reading, singing, watching hummingbirds and visits to the beach and mountains.

In addition to her parents, Joanna was preceded in death by her sister, Brenda Martin, and nephew Dean Martin.

She is survived by her loving husband Kenneth and her children, Jason Dempsey and wife Linda, of Valley, Alabama and daughter, Jill Stallings and husband Jeff, of Sanford, North Carolina. Grandchildren are Ethan Stallings and wife Aylah, of Sanford, Elise Stallings of Sanford, Emily Stallings of Sanford and Lauren Dempsey of Valley Alabama. Great-grandson is Will Stallings.

Joanna is also survived by her brother, Bob Harden and wife Bonnie, nephew Mickey Martin and brother-in-law Joe Martin all of Lakeland, Florida along with several special in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday (2/28/2024) in the Chapel of First Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Sam Roach and Rev Mike Handy officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. A private burial at Buffalo Cemetery will follow.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Alex Bonnecaze at Pinehurst Medical Clinic and Dr. Paul Savage at Atrium Health, Wake Forest Baptist for their compassionate care of Joanna. We are also grateful for the excellent care by the staff at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, and Liberty Home Care & Hospice of Sanford.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Samaritans Purse International Relief PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-3000 or a charity of one’s choice.