Joanna Mae Graves Crowder

Joanna Mae Graves Crowder, age 89, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed peacefully on February 14, 2026, in her nephew’s home in Monroe GA. She was born on March 22, 1936, and lived a life marked by devotion, faith, and quiet strength.

Joanna was the beloved wife of Joe W. Crowder, faithfully supporting him throughout their life together, including serving as his trusted photography assistant, photo retouch and restoration artist at Crowder’s Home Photography - an endeavor that allowed them to share both work and joy side by side. She shared 72 years of marriage with Joe.

She is survived by her husband, Joe W Crowder, her nephew, Danny M. Crowder and his wife Pam Crowder; her niece, Lavon Crowder Schmook and her husband Ken Schmook; as well as extended family and friends who cherished her deeply. She was predeceased by her sister, Mary Carolyn Cameron, her brother-in-law, Ronald Jay Cameron, and her brother-in-law, CW Crowder Jr.

Joanna had a deep love for old Christian hymns, finding comfort and beauty in the music that shaped her faith. She also delighted many with her unique and memorable talent—being able to recite the ABCs backwards with ease, a small but joyful expression of her bright spirit. She loved bird watching, sewing, playing the guitar, and going to flea markets. They loved spending time at their lake house.

A graveside service to honor Joanna’s life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Lett Cemetery, in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Joanna will be remembered for her steadfast heart, her warmth, and the gentle grace she shared with everyone who knew her.