Joanna Cox Caldwell Obituary (1931 - 2021)

Born Dec 17, 1931, Joanna Cox Caldwell attended William Byrd High School in Vinton, VA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Joanna Cox Caldwell.

Graduation Year	Class of 1950
Date of Birth	Dec 17, 1931
Date of Passing	May 16, 2021
About	Joanna Cox Caldwell, age 89, passed away on Sunday May 16, 2021. Joanna was born in Roanoke, Va., on December 17, 1931, the youngest child of the late Plateau Preston Rex and Mattie Beatrice Smith Cox. Joanna graduated from William Byrd High School in 1950 where she was the editor of the school newspaper and she was recognized for her accomplishments on the basketball court by being named the outstanding female athlete of her graduating class. After graduation, she worked at Appalachian Power Company until she met and married William "Bill" Perfater Caldwell. Joanna then focused her time on raising her family as they moved from Radford, Richmond, Pulaski, eventually settling in Roanoke. Joanna returned to the workforce as an administrative professional for Roanoke County Schools, where she worked for nearly 20 years before retiring in 1994. Joanna was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her oldest child, Bill Jr.; and her sisters, Oleane Cox and Eunice Smith. She and Bill were married for 67 years and she is survived by her children, Greg (Priscilla) Caldwell, Jodi (Coley) Austin, and Kay (Chad) Spangler. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Cole (Caroline) Austin, Will Austin, Ryan Spangler, Ally Spangler, Cary Caldwell, and Calvin Caldwell; sister, Imogene Burnette; sister-in-law, Polly Caldwell; nieces, Peggy (Jeff) Stovall and Molly (Johnny) Rhodes; nephew, Jeff (Anna) Caldwell, and others. Joanna loved the outdoors and camping with her family. She enjoyed family get togethers where she could make her famous deviled eggs for the family – these were some of her fondest memories. Joanna deeply loved and cherished her husband and children. She was tremendously proud of her children and grandchildren and loved watching them grow into adulthood. She was a role model for all of her family and will be dearly missed. Joanna will be laid to rest at the Caldwell Cemetery in Radford, in a private family ceremony. Memorial contributions may be made to the Roanoke Area Ministries Good Neighbors Fund, 824 Campbell Ave. SW, Roanoke, VA 24016. Online condolences may be made to Joanna's family at www.rader-funderalhome.com. Rader Funeral Home Daleville, Virginia, 540-992-1212