Joann Jefferson Wiley, 84, of Memphis & Nashville, TN died on May 4, 2024 after a long illness.  She was born on August 27, 1939 in Millington, TN and was the eldest child of the late Eddie Mae Herron Jefferson Somerville and Clarence Jefferson, Sr.  She is survived by two children, Patricia Harris-Morehead (Ricky) of Nashville, TN and Michael P. Jones (Christina-deceased) of Memphis, TN; two grandchildren, Tiffany M. Johnson (Antonio) Sacramento, CA and Jordan Jones of Memphis, TN; two great-grandchildren, Kelsey and Anthony Johnson of Sacramento, CA and seven brothers: Clarence Jefferson, Jr. (Erma) Griffn, GA; Robert L. Jefferson (Maria) Ontario, CA; Eddie H. Jefferson (Dee ) Irvine, CA; William E. Jefferson Ontario,CA; James E. Jefferson Memphis,TN; Roy B. Jefferson (Janice) Anaheim,CA; and Jimmy E. Jefferson (Marilyn) Memphis, TN. Deceased siblings who preceded her in death include: Freddie L. Jefferson, Katie M. Jefferson, and Margaret M. Jefferson Bolton.

Mrs. Wiley married her late husband, David Wiley, Sr. of Batesville, Mississippi in 1987. The couple resided in the Raleigh and Midtown areas of Memphis for until his death in 2007. As a young girl, she found the Lord while attending West Canaan Baptist Church. Later, as an adult she joined First Baptist Church when her mother and step-father moved their memberships there. After their passing, Mrs. Wiley began worshipping at Faith Temple, which was closer to her home in Raleigh and soon became the church's special events caterer.

She worked in the hospitality and food nutrition industry for nearly 60 years beginning as a cook, waitress, and hostess before being promoted and trained as a full-time bartender and later a part-time caterer. The majority of Mrs. Wiley's professional experience was gained during her many years with Navy Exchange – a Memphis Naval base support company, where she worked as a bartender at the base's Golf Club and Officers' Club. After retiring from Navy Exchange, she continued working part-time in the hospitality industry at several popular Memphis hotels and restaurants, as well as at a famous Beale Street night spot.

This remarkably strong and fierce woman also once worked as a security officer on the midnight to 8 a.m. shift. at a Memphis senior citizens high-rise. And, when she had "down time" or on special occassions such as her granddaughter's wedding, she produced beautiful floral arrangements for family and friends or whipped up her famous sweet potatoe pies. Mrs. Wiley was a talented woman, who loved her family deeply and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

For the past 10 years, she resided in the Nashville,TN and Savannah, GA area with her daughter and son-in-law.

Mrs. Joann Jefferson Wiley, 84 of Memphis & Nashville, Tennessee transitioned on May 4, 2024. She was born on August 27, 1939 in Millington, Tennessee and was the eldest child of the late Eddie Mae Herron Jefferson Somerville and Clarence Jefferson, Sr. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at Jefferson Mortuary, Inc. on Friday, May 17, and her Celebration of Life services will begin immediately afterwards at noon 12 noon.

Interment will follow at Northridge Woodhaven Cemetery, 6755 Hwy 51 N, Millington, TN 38053.

Jefferson Mortuary, Inc. has charge.

7788 Church Street

Millington, Tennessee 38053

Phone: (901) 872-8800

jeffersonmortuary@yhaoo.com

Fax: (901) 872-4722

Email: jeffersonmortuary&yahoo.com