Townson-Rose Funeral Home

Obituary for Joann Matheson


08/16/1939 - 06/23/2022


Joan "Joann" Matheson, age 82, of Hayesville was promoted to her eternal heavenly home, surrounded by loving family on Thursday, June 23, 2022.

Joann was born in the Shooting Creek area of Hayesville, to the late Wade and Faye Hooper Moss.

Joann attended Shooting Creek School, transferring to Hayesville High School, where she graduated in 1957. She met her love, Ralph, her sophomore year in high school. Ralph later left for Ohio and Joann left for Atlanta to work. Joann worked at Sears Distribution Center and Southern Bell while in Atlanta. Atlanta did not last long for Joann, as Ralph went to bring her home, and ask her to marry him. They married on February 22, 1958. Joann and Ralph lived in Ohio until 1963. They returned to Clay County, bought property in Carter Cove and lived there until their passing.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sweetheart and love, Ralph Matheson, in 2010. She is also preceded in death by two brothers, Hubert Moss and Carroll Moss; and an infant sister, Mary Lou Moss.

Surviving are two sons, Wayne Matheson (wife Martha) of Hayesville NC, and Tim Matheson of the home. One daughter, Debbie Moore (husband Jerry), of Hayesville NC.

Four grandchildren, Chad Matheson (wife Kimberly) of Hayesville NC, Brandon Matheson (wife Andrea) of Hayesville NC, LeAnn Moore of Hayesville NC and Sara Moore of Hayesville NC.

Nine great-grandchildren, Dakota Matheson, Ella Matheson, Braiden Martin, AJ Austin, Ali Austin, Calee Martin, Evin Fields, Alexia Fields and Gracie Matheson.

Two brothers, J.C. "Calvin" Moss (wife Brigette) of Berlin, Germany and Wade Moss Jr of Hayesville NC.

Five sisters; Mildred Shook of Young Harris GA, Bernett Gibson (husband RoyLee) of Young Harris GA, Betty Sue Taylor (husband Dennis) of Buford GA, Elaine Moss (husband Roger) of Hayesville NC and Lanette Cunningham (husband Mike) of Suwanne GA.

Joann retired in 2001 from the State of North Carolina as pioneer director for the WIC program in Clay County. Earlier in life she had worked at the Shooting Creek School as the "lunchroom lady".

Joann was a devoted wife to her husband and mother to her children. She was a mother and grandmother figure to many others that she invited into her home, or others that the children and grandchildren would bring home. She always took them in and loved them in a way that they too felt like family. They all knew that "Nanny" loved them too. She had a very unique way of knowing what others needed and making sure they had it.

She was a loyal Charter Member of Grace Baptist Church where her husband Ralph had served as a Deacon until his passing. She also served on the Clay County Care Center Auxillary.

Joann loved singing, and did so most of her life. She sang in area radio stations in her younger years, winning contests, She later sang in church with her children, her in-laws, and then her grandchildren. She was always singing around home and left many memories of songs she sang. She had a great love for cooking for her family and anyone else that she could talk into coming over for "supper" or Sunday dinner. She made handwritten cookbooks for her family expressing the joy she had over the years feeding her family. She was the ideal homemaker. She handmade family clothes, grew a garden and preserved food for the winter. She was always adamant about a clean house.

Joann was a avid reader and loved to read Gods Word. Joann enjoyed traveling. Her children, grandchildren and sisters were always planning their "next trip" with her.

Memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, June 26, 2022 at Catalyst Church; 1726 Hwy 64 E Hayesville, North Carolina 28904. Pastors Wayne Matheson, Brandon Matheson and Lawrence English are officiating. Music will be provided by Amy Hooper, Tina Lundy, Derek Moss, Daniel Moss and Billy Garrett.

Joann will be laid to rest beside her love, Ralph, at Grace Baptist Church on Carter Cove Road in Hayesville, North Carolina. Pallbearers will be Jerry Moore, Chad Matheson, Dakota Matheson, Braiden Martin, AJ Austin, Derek Moss and Daniel Moss. Honorary pallbearers are Billy Ellis, Mike Moss, Alex Cunningham, Brian Cunningham, Lee Moss, Billy Moss, John Moss and Mike Shook.

The family will receive friends and family from 1:00-3:00 pm at Catalyst Church, prior to the Memorial Service.

You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com

Townson-Rose Funeral Home, Hayesville NC charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com