Joanne Sweatman Thomas, 71, of Walterboro, SC, entered eternal rest on the evening of Thursday, May 4, 2023, at Roper Hospital in downtown Charleston, SC.
Born on August 14, 1951, in Orangeburg, SC, beloved mother, daughter, and sister Joanne was predeceased by her father, James Robert “Bobby” Sweatman, by her mother Virginia E. Heaton Sweatman, and by her brother James E. Sweatman. She is survived by her husband of over forty years, William E. “Billy” Thomas, son William “Will” Thomas (Lauren) of Summerville, son Bryan Thomas of Summerville, and sister Bobbie “Kitty” Bishop (Michael) of Harleyville, SC.
Joanne was a retired Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with over 50 years of hard work and dedication, including hospice care, caring for those with special needs, working as head nurse at the Colleton County jail, Nightingales Nursing, and the Coastal Center on Miles Jamison Rd. Her energy level and work ethic were outstanding, but most people remember her exceptional care and kindness. She was a friend to everyone and will be missed by many.
She was a woman who loved people and her furbaby, Rocky. She had a beautiful smile, a giving heart, and a sparkling laugh. Joanne was most proud of her sons, Will and Bryan. Her favorite color was green, and she enjoyed being outside, listening to beach music, coloring, shopping, and catching up with friends. She made a mean mac ‘n’ cheese, and you never left her house without a plate (or a box) to go. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Walterboro for many years.
Funeral services will be held Thursday morning, May 11, 2023 at 11:00 in the chapel of Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, with burial following in the Live Oak Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation Wednesday evening, May 10, 2023 from 6:00 until 8:00 at the funeral home. Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made in her honor to the American Nurse’s Association.
