Joann Morgan

Joann Morgan, age 69, a resident of Columbia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 5, 2024, surrounded by her family.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Maury Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Joann was born on January 12, 1955, in Eads, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Joe Cunningham, Jr.  and the late Emma Lou Hall Cunningham. Her family founded the first Black historical church, Eads First Baptist Church, in Eads, Tennessee, where her passion for serving others took root. Joann's love and dedication to helping others shined throughout her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for over 25 years in various locations, including helping to open Claiborne and Hughes Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Franklin. She was known for her compassion and care for others.

In her personal life, Joann enjoyed fishing and cooking, but her greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Joann is survived by her sons, Larry Morgan of Columbia, Joshua Morgan (Sabrina) of Murfreesboro, and Philanders Cunningham of Memphis; daughters, Terri Webster (Reginald) of Columbia and Tamika Paige (Shawn) of Memphis; brothers, Jackie Cunningham (Margaret) of Brownsville, TN, Darryl Cunningham (Mary) of Memphis, Gregory Cunningham of Memphis, and Joe Cunningham III of Eads, TN; sisters, Martha Cunningham and Emma Cunningham, both of Memphis; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Morgan, Sr.; daughter, Felicia Renee Spearman and her husband, Marvin Spearman; and siblings, Jacqueline Cunningham, Mary Lou Cunningham White, and John Hall.

Family members will serve as pallbearers.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Caris Hospice, especially Sherica Perry, Sandra Napier, and the staff of NHC Columbia for all their care and concern during this time.