JoAnn passed away in Payson, Utah after a long medical battle. Her faith in Jesus Christ saw her through several months of physical and mental anguish to her last breath of life on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025.
JoAnn was born in Atlanta, Georgia, the youngest daughter of Oberon Oliver and Mamie Lucille [Hawkins] Oliver. She lived a life of seeking Jesus Christ and desiring to change so that she could qualify to live with Him after her passing. Survivors include 2 brothers, Vernon E and Larry Jo; precious friends; and many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A sincere heartfelt expression of gratitude goes to her professional caregiving team at the Rocky Mountain Care: Maple Dell Health and Rehab Center in Payson, Utah (formerly Parkway). They truly cared for her as well-trained professional caregivers. Her life was also deeply enriched by the West Mountain 3rd Ward. Their unwavering service, expressions of love and generous support gave her a chance to finally flourish as a bonafide true “fellow citizen of the saints and of the household of God.”
JoAnn’s dying wish was that all of us could “love one another as Jesus Loves you.” She is reunited now with her Eternal companion, Gary Leon Hammond, her mother and father, siblings and hundreds of deceased family members she grew to love and serve through her family history efforts. She said “I will not be alone over there after I go. I will start my mission to bless my family and friends.” Here is her written and spoken testimony: “I am thankful and grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Every time I read The Book of Mormon, it lifts my spirits, especially on days where nothing feels like my spirits can be lifted. I love our Prophet, Dallin H. Oaks. I believe that Jesus Christ communicates with our living Prophet. I love Utah. I want to live this gospel so people will know there is something different about me. I want people to ask ‘What is it with you, JoAnn?’ and then I would open up and tell them my testimony of the gospel. I know Heavenly Father loves me even though I am struggling. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I know the Holy Ghost witnesses of the truth. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church and I want to shout it from the rooftops! In the Name of Jesus Christ Amen.”
Whomever visited JoAnn, be it a ward or family member, police officer or utilities technician, home helper or social worker, JoAnn bore her sincere testimony to them. She told us before she passed that she would start her senior mission after her burial. We say to JoAnn now, go ye therefore unto all nations. Testify of Jesus Christ, and lo He is with you alway to the end of the world. We are proud of you Sister JoAnn. You go girl!
Graveside Services, where family and friends may gather, will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, December 2, 2025 at the Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah.
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