Obituary of Elizabeth Joanne Hartley

God designed life on earth on a timeline and on November 9, 2022 at 6:15 pm the good Lord chose to peacefully take our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and dear friend home to continue her lifetime in heaven. Elizabeth JoAnn Hartley was born in Boone, North Carolina, Watauga County on August 3, 1932 to Gray and Hazel Hartley. JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Ruby West and husband Jim West; brother, Bobby Hartley; grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. JoAnn is survived by her three children, Shelia Ann Brown and husband Lee Hildebrand of Hickory, NC; James Blake Brown of Boone, NC and Ingrid Brown of Zionville, NC. JoAnn is the proud grandmother of two granddaughters, Tiffanie Nobles and husband William Nobles and Lacie Gibbs and husband Patrick Gibbs who both reside in Glennville, GA. JoAnn is blessed with six great grandchildren Rylie Beth Nobles, Hayleigh Ann Durrence, Layton Lee Gibbs, Kennedy Rose Durrence, Parker Kerri Gibbs and Elias Ryan Nobles. JoAnn was the oldest sibling and leaves behind her brother Bill Hartley Sr. and wife Debbie Hartley, of Boone, NC and her youngest sister Barbara Waldrop and husband Steve Waldrop of Marietta, GA. JoAnn was the owner of Boone Flower Shop for several decades and provided comfort in times to many families of Boone. She was also a master at decorating the wreaths in downtown Boone every Christmas with her beautiful hand tied 25 ft. ribbons of bows. Weddings, personal homes and teaching floral design was a love and passion she shared with many and those in our county. JoAnn was a teacher of her talents to many while working with Caldwell Community College and many have gone on to success with beautiful talents in flowers. As an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star JoAnn worked with Camp Rainbow and many outreach programs to give back to her community. As well as charity organizations and volunteer work at Watauga Hospital. JoAnn landscaped all the perimeters of Watauga Hospital as well as the planting and obtaining the 'Rose Garden' that is affectionately named in her honor in the middle of a beautiful bed of roses. The door was always open and the kitchen was always full for every friend and family member that passed through JoAnn's door. JoAnn became 'MA Brown' to ASU's Lambda Chi Alpha due to Blake's brotherhood and to each friend that her three children brought home. No matter how far away from home nobody was left without a warm place to come to. To each we know 'MA Brown' will be dearly missed. JoAnn's infectious smile and huge heart will be missed by the Watauga county community. JoAnn's faith in the Lord always led to her sharing of Psalms 91 which she held close throughout her life. She loved music and to hear Amazing Grace she always said soothed her soul. JoAnn was a bond in many lives and will live on with her memory and legacy. Fly high Mama for in our hearts and soul we know you will always be. Deepest appreciation to Shannon, Jessica, Shannon, Dr. Kaufman, Dr. Goble, Dr. Moore, Dr. Stevens and the ICU unit staff at Watauga Hospital for the love, care and compassion given to our Mama. To IMCU, 2nd floor we can't say enough for her time and last moments. Cindy and staff at Amorem Hospice thank you for your support and guidance. In lieu of flowers the family requests all donations be given to The Foley Center 621 Chestnut Ridge Pkwy Blowing Rock, NC 28605 or Amorem Care 902 Kirkwood Street NW Lenoir, NC 28645 Memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, November 13, 2022 at Austin and Barnes Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Hartley family.