S. Joanne Fitzgerald

Raleigh, N. C.: S. Joanne Fitzgerald, 72, of Raleigh, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 24, 2009, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.Born on October 29, 1936, in Danville, Virginia, she was predeceased by her mother, Elizabeth Fitzgerald. She is survived by her closest relative, Earl Fitzgerald, of New Bern, North Carolina (formerly of Raleigh, NC). Joanne and Earl's childhood was spent in the Ruffin Community, where they were members of the Ruffin Methodist Church. She graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill, and began her career with North Carolina Farm Bureau in Greensboro, North Carolina. She moved with them when the company relocated to Raleigh. She retired as Director of Human Resources for the company, and continued her life in Raleigh, where she attended Westminster Presbyterian Church. Graveside funeral services will be held in Reidlawn Cemetery, 1530 Barnes Street, Reidsville, NC, at 11:00 A. M. on Saturday, August 29, 2009, with the service being provided by Wilkerson Funeral Home, 1909 Richardson Drive, Reidsville, NC (336-349-4341). There will be a procession from Wilkerson Funeral Home to the cemetery at 10:45 A.M. The service will be conducted by her first cousin, Rev. Scott Fitzgerald, of Bayboro, NC. At a later date, a memorial service will be scheduled for Raleigh, NC, where the family and friends may celebrate her life.