Joann Napier's Obituary
NAPIER, Joann (née Casey), age 94, of Waynesville, passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Hillsprings of Springboro.
Joann was a devoted homemaker who dedicated her life to caring for her family and creating a warm, welcoming home. Early in life, she worked at GC Murphy’s general store in Kentucky, where she met her future husband, Vernon. From the moment he first walked into the store, Joann knew she was going to marry him. After work that day, she went home and told her parents she had met the man she was going to marry. The two were united in marriage and remained devoted to one another until Vernon’s passing in 2013. Joann embraced her lifelong role as a wife, mother, and caretaker. Together, Joann and Vernon built three homes from the ground up, a testament to their strong bond and shared work ethic. She attended Samaria Primitive Baptist Church in Ransom, Kentucky, and later attended Miami Primitive Baptist Church in Dayton. Her faith was a steady and guiding presence throughout her life.
She had a deep love for gardening and took great pride in her vegetable garden, especially her tomatoes, along with her flowers and beautifully maintained yard. Alongside their gardening efforts, Joann and Vernon raised cattle, becoming self-sufficient and providing for their family through hard work and dedication. Her family often said her home and yard looked like something out of House Beautiful, as she kept her flower beds and home immaculate. Joann enjoyed reading of all kinds, especially her Bible as well as books such as historical fiction and crime novels, and she even read cookbooks like novels. Music was also an important part of her life, and she loved singing and listening to Christian and Gospel music. She was a member of the Holy Hills Singers Gospel Quartet for over 20 years and spent time volunteering at Quaker Heights, where she sang and visited with residents.
Joann was known for her kindness and gentle spirit. She carried herself with a quiet class and was always well put together, organized, caring, humble, and someone who consistently put others before herself. She had a special way of bringing people together, often through the meals she lovingly prepared. She prepared full meals three times a day, including breakfast, lunch, and “supper,” as she called dinner, always making sure her family was well cared for. She always made sure her family had a bedtime snack, often preparing old-fashioned popcorn cooked over the stove. When attending church gatherings or events, she did not just bring a single dish to share. She often brought an entire meal, making sure there was plenty for everyone.
During her younger years, family reunions on Vernon’s side became a cherished tradition. Joann and Vernon hosted many of these gatherings at their family farm, where time spent together with loved ones was always a highlight. Joann naturally took on the role of hostess, something she truly enjoyed, making sure everyone felt welcomed and well cared for. She also had a special interest in collecting cranberry glass, a unique hobby that reflected her appreciation for beauty and detail. She will be most remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her strong faith, and the quiet, steady way she served others throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Napier (d. 2013); her son, James Vernon Napier; granddaughter, Jennifer Weaver; her parents, Ralph and Katie (Dotson) Casey; her son-in-law, Ray Wisby; her brother, Jack Casey; and sisters, Billie Farley and Janice Eldridge. Joann is survived by her daughters, Sharon “Kay” Wisby and Karen (Doug) Rasey; her grandchildren, Jackie (Harry) Amann, Melissa (David) Cabrera, and Jason (Angie) Wright; 9 great-grandchildren, Audrey, Kelsey, Evie, Eli, Gabriella, Caroline, Julian, Adrian, and Vanessa; as well as many extended family members and friends.
Private family services will be held at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. Burial will take place at Miami Cemetery in Corwin. If desired, contributions may be made in Joann’s memory to Hillspring of Springboro or to Samaria Primitive Baptist Church in Ransom, Kentucky. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at https://www.stubbsconner.com.
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