JoAnn Sturkie

JoAnn Sturkie, 87 of Lexington, South Carolina, went home to be with her Savior on October 29, 2025.  She was born on September 16, 1938, in Winnsboro, SC to Carl Berry and Ruby (Sims) Berry.

JoAnn graduated from Brookland Cayce High School on June 8, 1956.  She met her future husband David Allen Sturkie in 1956.  They were married on September 5, 1956, while David was serving in the United States Navy.  After David was Honorably discharged from the Navy, their first child Michael was born August 1, 1958. Their 2nd child Deborah was born November 29, 1960.  Their 3rd child Laura was born January 24,1967. 

JoAnn loved Jesus and lived her life to serve Him.  She was a member of Congaree Baptist Church where she taught primary and youth Sunday School.  Later she was a member of Dunns Chapel where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and attended Kay Author Bible studies for women’s ministries.   Finally, she was a member of Trinity Baptist Church where she taught women’s Sunday School and attended Bible study until dementia made it impossible to continue.

JoAnn moved into Deepwood Estates in Lexington, SC in 2018, where she made many new friends and continued attending chapel services.  She was an ambassador for Deepwood for several years welcoming new residents and helping them to feel at home as they became part of the Deepwood Community.  JoAnn maintained her sweet disposition even as her battle with Alzheimer’s continued.  She was always ready to give a smile and a “hello darling” to anyone who spoke with her.  She enjoyed singing those old wonderful Christian Hymns and remembered the words right up until her home going.

JoAnn is survived by her son, Michael Sturkie (Rhonda); daughter, Deborah Beasley (Kurt); daughter, Laura Dalloul (Nabil); grandchildren, Anita Brown (Jarid), Stephanie Scott (Chris), Sophie Derrick, Erin Derrick, Erica Mattox (Jae), Josh Kramer (Sharon), Luke Beasley, Kelly Semenza (Dan), Ramsey Dalloul; brother, Keith Berry (Candy); sisters, Carolyn Ratcliff (Bill), Beverly Driggers (Mike); great grandchildren, John-Michael Brown, Ella Scott, Lylli Brown, Garrison Scott, Lynan Mattox, Estela Brown, Evie Scott, Leila Pickering, Heyes Mattox, Brighten Brown, Wells Mattox, Charlotte and Everly Semenza.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Berry and Ruby Lynn Berry (Sims); husband of 55 years, David Allen Sturkie; brothers, Carl Berry, Jerry Berry, Jimmy Berry, Mack Berry, Richard Berry; grandson, Mathew Kramer. 

Visitation will be held 10 AM, Monday, November 3, 2025 at Trinity Baptist Church, 2003 Charleston Hwy., Cayce, SC. Pastor Eddie Coakley will lead a Celebration of Life service 11:00 AM.