Jan. 12, 1944 - May 20, 2024
Martha Joann McCleskey, 80, of Jones County, went home to be with the Lord on May 20, 2024.
Born on January 12, 1944, in Gordon, GA, Joann lived a life filled with faith, love, and devotion to her family and community.
Visitation was held at Shurlington Church of the Nazarene on Friday, May 24, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a service at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Ronnie Griffin. Joann was laid to rest at McCleskey Family Cemetery in Macon, Georgia.
Affectionately known as “Nanny,” Joann was a selfless and loving woman who dedicated her life to nurturing and caring for others. She spent her life touching the hearts of all around her, giving her time generously and helping raise over two generations of children at her home daycare. Joann’s love for God was evident in all she did, and she cherished spoiling her family and the many precious children she cared for. Known for her cooking, she was especially famous for her cakes, pies, and Brunswick Stew.
Joann will be remembered as a caring and loving Christian who devoted her life to being a wife, mother, and grandmother.
She remained faithfully committed to her one true love, George McCleskey, her church, and her faith in God. As a dedicated member of Shurlington Church of the Nazarene, Joann’s faith was the cornerstone of her life.
Joann is survived by her children, Georgeann Evans (Andy), Melinda Pollard, Ricky McCleskey (Denise), and Robbie Rawlins (Mike); her grandchildren, Karen Higgins (Neal), Hunter McCleskey (Casey), Mikie Rawlins (Caleigh), Joanna Lamb (Hunter), and Laci Rawlins; and her nine great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her siblings, W.C. Bloodworth and Betty Rose Ashley (John); her beloved pets, Precious and Ollie; and nieces raised as her own, Sandra McCleskey and Kim Groft. She was predeceased by her parents, Wilbur Corris Bloodworth and Ethel Wood Bloodworth; her husband, George Harris McCleskey; her brother, Jimmy Bloodworth; her sisters, Carolyn Jackson, Marie Willis, and Effie Kate Masters; her grandson, Harley McCleskey; and her son-in-law, Tony Pollard.
Donations may be made to Shurlington Church of the Nazarene, 2160 Shurling Dr, Macon, GA 31211, (478) 745-9932.
Gray Memorial Chapel is honored to be entrusted with the care of the McCleskey family.
To register your online condolences, please visit graymemorialchapel.com.
Joann’s legacy of love and devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
