J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Estes, JoAnne

Thursday, April 14, 2005

JoAnne Estes, 59, of Chester, Virginia departed this life peacefully on Thursday, April 14, 2005. She was born in the spring of 1946 in Watertown, New York, the daughter of an Italian immigrant. JoAnne enjoyed life and was adored by not only her family, but by her friends, her co-workers, and all who met her. She was legal assistant to Tom Williamson at Williamson & LaVecchia in Richmond for the past 10 years. She was a talented artist and decorator, and a loving grandmother to her two young grandsons, David Michael Rossi and Colin Garrick Auwarter. In addition to her grandsons, JoAnne is survived by her children, Jennifer Rossi Auwarter and Gabriel Bennedetto Rossi, Jr., and her husband of 14 years, Rodney Estes. We will all miss her silly sense of humor, her contagious laugh and her warm smile. A memorial service and reception will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2005 commencing at 1 pm at St. Augustine�s Parish in Richmond. In lieu of flowers, JoAnne requested any memorial donations be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society, www.americancancersociety.org. or Massey Cancer Center. The family is being served by J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Chester. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.

Dear Rodney, Gabe, & Jennifer and families,

We will always treasure our last days with JoAnne and Rodney. She was always so talented, but most of all so caring and kind to everyone she met. Knowing she is now with her Mom, dear Rose, along with Grandma & Grandpa Izo, her Aunt Angie and cousin Becky, gives us comfort at this time of grief we all feel for our loss. As we said to her on the Friday before she passed on to our Lord's care, .... til we meet again dearest JoAnne.

Our love forever.

Posted by: Uncle Tony & Aunt Mary at April 23, 2005 12:08 PM

Rodney,

You are in our prayers. If you need anything please let us know. Brenda will remember JoAnne ever time she looks at the Sofa she re-upholstered for us, about 14 years ago! Shirley sends her regards and will miss JoAnne. Shirley thought a lot of JoAnne. Take care of yourself.

Posted by: Albert & Brenda Arnold at April 23, 2005 11:32 AM

Dear Rodney, Jen, Gabe, and family
JoAnne is my goombah (dear sweet friend), and I miss her so very much. Our friendship was a gift to be treasured always. She has touched so many lives with her beautiful smile, sense of humor, compassion and generous spirit. These too will be her legacy, and what we will carry on in our hearts forever. Don't cry because it is over, smile because she happened. I love you JoAnne.

Posted by: Nancy Wilson at April 22, 2005 11:32 PM

Rodney, sorry to hear about Joanne. She was such a fine lady. She will be be missed by all. I know it's been hard for you and you are in my thoughts. God bless, JOHNNIE

Posted by: Johnnie Elliott & Family at April 22, 2005 07:25 PM

JoAnne was the greatest. She was our contact at Williamson & Lavecchia for over nine years. JoAnne always seemed to know how to communicate, sometimes serious problems, in a calm and humorous way. JoAnne and her family, who she loved so much, are in our thoughts.
Bonita, Alvah, Allison & Owen

Posted by: Alvah Wyatt at April 22, 2005 06:37 PM

Rodney,
John & I would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on your loss. We didn't have the pleasure of meeting Joanne but I am sure she was a wonderful person just like you. Take care we will be praying for you. Your friends, John & Tiffany Fletcher (Mark McFarland's old crewmember 'ODS')

Posted by: Tiffany Fletcher at April 22, 2005 05:33 PM

Ann and I hold you in our prayers. JoAnne was always so delightful to be near with her smile and attitude.

Wahtever we can do for you, just call.

Dave and Ann Preston

Posted by: Dave Preston at April 22, 2005 03:06 PM

DEAR RODNEY,

WE JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WE ARE THINKING ABOUT YOU & YOUR FAMILY. LET US KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING WE CAN DO FOR YOU. OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU!

SINCERELY,

BRANDON, BRUCE, BRAD, UNCLE MIKE, BIG FRANK, FRANKLIN

Posted by: FRANKLIN BUTLER at April 22, 2005 11:48 AM

Rodney, I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to become so close to JoAnne in her last days. She will always have a place in my heart. Please know that Claiborn and I will always be here for you.

Posted by: Mary Lois at April 21, 2005 11:59 PM

Rodney,
I am so very sorry to hear about JoAnne. She wa such a wonderful person and will truly be missed. I am sorry I have not been in touch this past year, but please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family. Please call if you need anything, even if it is just to talk.........our love, Pat & Joe

Posted by: Pat & Joe Costa at April 21, 2005 08:20 PM

Rodney-

You are certainly in our family's thoughts and prayers. I can tell you whenever I was around Joanne, I felt at home. She's a wonderful person that I know has left a lasting impression on a lot of people.

Hope to see you soon!

Mike, Colleen, Annie and Clare Estes

Posted by: Michael Estes at April 21, 2005 07:08 PM

It's hard to blieve that its been over 8 years since I met Rodney and Joanne. We met on Jan. 11th, 1997, the night after I met Dennis. I've enjoyed our times together. The one regret I now have is that we didn't spend more time with both of you in the last several months. Joanne was so vibrant, and had a God given talent of sewing and painting just to name a few. She will be missed by everyone! I will miss her soft voice, her laughter and the ability to make you feel better just by being around her. When Rodney raced, I can still see her walking in circles watching him. Rodney, you know that anything that Dennis & I can do for you, we will!!

Sallie & Dennis (Mudflap)

Posted by: Sallie at April 21, 2005 01:02 PM

Dear Rodney,
My condolences to you and your family. Whenever I saw JoAnne's name on my schedule, I knew that would be a good part of my day.

Gary Mannheimer, O.D. (Family Vision Care)

Posted by: Gary Mannheimer, O.D. at April 21, 2005 09:35 AM

Rodney,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Everyone at Jr. Motorsports is thinking about you and your family. We anxiously await your return to the race track.
Sincerly, Jefferson

Posted by: Jefferson Hodges at April 20, 2005 11:32 PM

Dear Rodney, Please except my deepest sympathy to you and your Family. I didn't know Joanne but she is described as a wonderful person that the world, and I'm sure you will miss. You are in my prayers in that God will be there for you to get you through.

Take Good Care,

I hope to see you back in our racing world again taking part with us.

Posted by: Tammy Barney at April 20, 2005 08:54 PM

To the Family of Joanne:

I would like to express my deepest sympathy for your loss. I worked with Joanne at Williamson & Lavecchia for quite a few years until I left in 2001. Joanne was always there ready to help in any situation and I know she will be greatly missed by W&L and her family and friends. May you know in your hearts that she can now be at peace and hurt no more. May God Bless You.

Posted by: Angela Safferwich at April 19, 2005 05:00 PM

Dear Rodney, Jennifer, Gabe, David, Colin and families -

You are so fortunate to have had such a wonderful dear soul as JoAnne in your family. She was a treasure on Earth. Now she is one of the brightest lights in Heaven, I'm sure. Our office and our hearts will never be the same without her. Jan (W&L)

Posted by: Jan Fermoyle at April 18, 2005 05:28 PM