Joanne Baxter Gilliam was born November 18, 1951 to the late Joseph and Carrie Baxter in St. George, SC (Shady Grove Community).  She transitioned into eternal rest on December 16, 2023.

Joanne was educated in the public school system in Dorchester County.  She was a graduate of the University of South Carolina College of General Studies and Social Services.  Joanne was a part of the Foster Care Project.

Joanne was a seamstress by trade.  She served as a Head Seamstress.  She was also a foster mom with an in-home daycare.

Joanne was a woman of God who loved to serve Him.  She loved her family and spending time with them.  In her free time, Joanne enjoyed watching the soap operas. She was the soap opera Queen!

She was preceded in death by her husband, Authur Gilliam; grandson, Darryl Johnson; Landie Baxter, Joyce A. Davis, Carolyn Glover and Madeline Cobbs.

She leaves to cherish loving memories to Mrs. Carrie (Bernard) Lewis, Mr. Landtwon (Beverly) Baxter and Mrs. Ardreana Gilliam; grandchildren, Denesha Gilliam, Ny'Quasia Baxter, Charnasia Gilliam and Bernard Lewis, Jr.; one great grandchild, Ardre Gilliam; siblings, Mrs. Eva L. Sumpter, Mrs. Betty (James) Bowman and Mrs. Shirley (Richard) Davis; a host of other relatives and friends.