Joann Marie (Stamps) Turra

Joann Marie Stamps Turra, age 86, was born on November 26th, 1934 in Atlanta, Georgia.  Joann’s family included two brothers, George and Benjamin Stamps. Her father, who was serving in the Army, was stationed in Italy after the war when Joann’s mother, Arvaline and the three children went for a visit.  While there, she and her mother boarded a bus, as a young gentleman, Mario Turra stood to give them his seat.  From this chance meeting, Joann and Mario were married and spent 66 years of marriage together.  After living in Italy for four years, Mario and Joann moved to America where she gave birth to two daughters, Cindy and Pina.  By the world’s standards, Joann’s early years were spent growing up in a very poor family, but her life ended up very prosperous.  Joann was a faithful, loving wife of 66 years, an amazing Mother to her girls.

She had a lengthy banking career, owned a successful catering business and multiple florists with her husband.  She was a wonderful Grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Joann was preceded in death by her beloved husband on October 24th, 2018.  She is survived by her daughters, Cindy Gibbs and Pina Payne and her husband David Payne, her grandchildren, Denver Payton and his wife Melissa, Maria Driver and her husband Michael, Andrew Gibbs and his wife Jessica, and Benjamin Gibbs and his wife Ashley and great grandchildren Hudson and Caroline Payton. 

A few minutes after midnight on Tuesday, Joann peacefully went to Heaven.  If we could see the reunion, I believe we would have seen Mario holding a little fellow named Ryan Alexander Driver stand up to give Joann his seat.

A rich life indeed, you will be missed!

Funeral Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 17, 2021 at Hillcrest Chapel with Rev. Alton Midgett, Jr., Rev. Bobby Tyler and Dr. Melvin Payne officiating.  Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 17, 2021 from 1:30 p.m. until the service hour at the funeral home. The service will be live streamed at www.hillcrestchapelcares.com; and for those attending the service, masks will be required as well as social distancing.

Higgins Funeral Home Hillcrest Chapel is honored to serve the family of Joann Turra, please visit www.hillcrestchapelcares.com to share your memories or leave a condolence message.

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