Joan Winona Schwarz McLemore

On Wednesday, August 13, 2025 God welcomed Joan Winona McLemore to Heaven. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family in the days preceding after a courageous fight with pancreatic cancer. Joan was born September 30, 1948, in St.Paul Minnesota to parents Charlotte and Joseph Schwarz , later finding her home in Americus, Georgia. She grew up with 6 brothers and 5 sisters and loved to tell stories about her childhood and memories. She was loved by everyone who knew her, as she was always kind and treated you like family, endearingly being called “mema” by many. Talented, hardworking, and dedicated, she wore many hats in her lifetime. Joan had two daughters Bonnie Jean and Melissa Dawn and married the love of her life, Walter McLemore in 1995, living happily until his passing in 2010. She was a property manager, and a certified pharmacy technician for over 20 years, loving to help those around her. She loved life, and being surrounded by her family and those she loved. She was an amazingly hard worker, who always made sure everything was taken care of both at work and inside the home. She loved gardening, watching Ms.Mable, cross-words,chocolate (especially turtles), being outside in nature,the color blue, talking with her friends and of course her cat Angel and her dog Dia who stayed by her side until the end.

She is preceded in death by her husband Walter Jr, her in-laws Walter Sr, her brothers Robert Schwarz Brother Gordon “Gordy” Schwarz and sisters Carol Ann Koop, and Shirley Schwarz and Imre Halazz. And step children Walter McLemore III and Maria Goodman. Joan is survived by daughters Melissa Williams of Americus, and Bonnie Anthony of Ellaville. Step children Phillip and Richard McLemore. And best friend of many years Marie Coleman of Plains “a friend every person would love to have, I love you-Joan”. Her grandchildren Clint Anthony of Donaldson, Daisha and Marissa Alston of Americus, Ashley Schneider of Tennessee, Skylar Webb of Forsyth, Dakota Anthony and Armani Williams of Americus. And her great grand-children Judith Mae Anthony, Elliot Anthony, and Brazier Webb. And her beloved dog Dia.

She was an amazing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who loved fiercely despite anything, and one who would do anything for those she loved. Her laugh, conversations, and presence will be truly missed. She was one of a kind, and we will cherish her memories forever.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Saturday, August 16, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee Street, with a service to follow in the chapel beginning at 3:00 PM.

Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements for Joan Winona Schwarz McLemore.