Joanne Parker Pointer of Williamsburg, passed away peacefully Jan. 12, 2013 with her family by her side after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Through the long duration of her ailments she never once expressed the pain and anguish she was experiencing. Her incredible strength, will and courage through this very tough time are a testament of who she was as a person. The support from her husband, children, grandchildren, friends and her two cats Penney and Bella gave her the strength to stay positive during this 20-year battle.

In Joanne’s earlier years, she was a model for Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills, Cal., and Paris, France. However, most knew Joanne as a teacher at Gloucester High School where she taught for many years. She was also a business owner of The Village Secretary which she operated in Gloucester Court House. In addition, she was the Director of Education for ITT School of Business in Seattle, Wash.

She was the Secretary for Harvey B. Morgan, Delegate to the Virginia General Assembly, and the Executive Secretary for the Gloucester Chamber of Commerce for five years. Joanne’s love of animals led her to the Heritage Humane Society in Williamsburg where she volunteered as Treasurer for over 17 years.

Joanne rarely missed an opportunity to spend time with her family, whether it be watching her grandchildren at a sporting event, dance recital, annual vacations, holidays or any excuse to spend time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lawrence Parker; mother, Edna May Hamilton Sisler; step-father, Lloyd Sisler; and brother, James Sisler.

She is survived by her husband J. Edgar Pointer Jr.; her children, Katharine Dalton, Sheridan Reese, Brenda and Hank Van Gieson; Edgar’s children, Steve and Jim Pointer; Joanne’s grandchildren, Erin Garbett, Jordan Garbett, Halie Dalton, Ren Reese, Parker Reese, Laura Van Gieson, Clay Van Gieson, and Edgar’s grandchildren, Justine Pointer and Andrea Pointer. She is also survived by her niece, Ashley Cappelletti, and nephew, Grant Sisler.

The family will receive friends Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, from 4-6 p.m. at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point, Va.

Please consider a donation to the Heritage Humane Society, 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, Va. 23185 in Joanne’s memory.