At her home, in the loving embrace of her family, the life of Joann Cook Hamden ended at 11:04 on Monday morning, April 16, 2018. Joann was born on July 10, 1934 to Vernon and Mary Cook in Charleston, WV, the only girl in a family with two older brothers (Vernon and Bill) and one younger (Tom), all of whom predeceased her.

In 1952, Joann married Odell E. Hamden. During their 58 year marriage, they raised their six children in Galax, VA. The couple grieved the death of their youngest, Madison, who died at the age of 42 in 2005. Odell passed away in 2012. Joann is survived by children Matthew, MeLisa, Marshall, Melanie, and Michael.

Although Joann was a life master in bridge (a passion and achievement she shared with her husband), she invested all of her love and most of her time in her family. Joann, a devout Christian, provided unfailing support to her husband in his career and partnership in service to church and community. To her children, Joann was the nurturing source of unfaltering love. And she was deeply loved, as expressed by her children and their spouses, her grandchildren and their spouses and partners, her great grandchildren and many of her dearest friends during her final hours.

The legacy of Joann's long and full life is her family: five children, ten grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren, through whom she lives on.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 4:00 PM in the First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Tom Whartenby officiating. The family will receive friends following the memorial service.