Joanne H. McDonald

In loving memory of our mother, Joanne McDonald (nee Jo Ann Hudson), age 84, of Snellville, GA, who passed away peacefully on December 24, 2023. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Joanne was born on April 25, 1939, to Joe Gusta and Ludie S. Hudson in Vernon, Alabama. Most of her school years were in Winfield, Alabama. After graduating from Winfield High School, she married Clarke D. McDonald with whom she had three children.

Joanne always had an avid interest in learning and was never far from her beloved dictionary. She completed numerous courses at the University of South Alabama, Dekalb College and The University of Georgia. For over 30 years, she worked at Georgia’s Own Stone Mountain Park in finance, ticketing and sales. Miss Joanne, as she was known, was especially known for using her charm to upsell daily tickets into yearly passes.

Joanne embraced over 30 years together with Tom Hickman of Loganville, GA. Tom was her daily companion who never wavered in showing his love for her.

Our mother was a kind, caring and giving person who always put the needs of her family before her own. She was a quiet woman who faced every challenge in her life with courage and dignity. Growing up, Mom was always there for us supporting our personal journeys. Joanne was a woman of faith and she instilled in us the importance of family, kindness and doing what is right.

Joanne is survived with never ending devotion by Tom Hickman, her daughters, Renee (David) Hay, Sherry (Shaun) Deedy and Dania (Bill) Lane, her grandchildren, Shaun Jr and Hannah Deedy, Kellan Lane and her brother, Fred Hudson.

The funeral service will be held at Wages & Sons, Lawrenceville, GA on January 7, 2023. The viewing is at 2pm with the service following immediately after at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research www.michaeljfox.org

Mom, you will always be in our hearts and we will never forget you. We love you so much.