Joanne Greene, born on April 1, 1945, in Rutherford County, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, at the age of 80. She was the beloved daughter of the late Joseph Whiteside and Evelyn Whiteside, and the devoted wife of the late Stanley Greene, her high school sweetheart.

Joanne grew up “on the hill” in Rutherfordton as the second oldest of 11 children. With that came the natural responsibility of helping to raise her younger siblings—a role she embraced with both firmness and tenderness, always balancing discipline with heart. She dreamed of becoming a nurse and aspired to attend college, but life led her down a different, meaningful path. After marrying Stanley, she began her family and later migrated to Washington, D.C., in search of opportunity.

There, she landed a coveted position with the U.S. Postal Service—a job widely respected at the time for its stability and good pay. Joanne built a full and vibrant life in D.C., not just for herself but for others too. Over the years, she opened her home to her younger brothers and sisters, giving them a foundation to start fresh in the “big city.” Her household was a launching pad for opportunity, built on love, consistency, and a wide-open door that welcomed all.

Although she never became a registered nurse, Joanne became the go-to “nurse” in the family. Her kids and grandkids would often call her to describe their symptoms, and she’d flip through her pill book or dig into her memory bank to offer her medical opinion. Her standard prescription? Allergy pills, rest, and a reminder not to skip your doctor’s appointment—a nurse in every way that mattered.

Joanne’s love of travel was sparked in D.C. through her membership in a church that organized regular bus trips to New York. These early excursions ignited her spirit for adventure and later blossomed into Caribbean getaways—where you’d often find her sipping a cocktail, dancing, and soaking up the sun. Her daughter Nikki became her favorite travel companion, and together they created unforgettable memories from coastlines to cruise decks, always with laughter in the air and a suitcase full of stories.

After retiring from the Postal Service, she moved back home to Forest City, NC. There, she reunited more closely with her siblings and her life took on a new rhythm. She also went back to work at WATTS in 2003 following her husband's passing, staying active and engaged until the plant eventually closed—marking her second and final retirement.

Joanne found purpose, friendship, and community at the Rutherford County Senior Center, a place she deeply loved. Her days revolved around “the Center”—so much so that her travel plans were built around getting back in time so she wouldn’t miss too much. Every family phone call included a rundown of what was on her lunch tray (and what she traded), the meal planned for the next day, and a steady stream of stories about the people, activities, and conversations she’d had that day. That place brought her real joy—and she brought joy to it in return.

Once home, her evenings were filled with daily calls from her daughter Toni, watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, and her favorite primetime network shows. Her granddaughter Desirae was often watching the same shows and would call to break them down together, sharing commentary and laughs. It was one of the ways they stayed connected, across generations and across miles.

Joanne was the proud and protective mother of three children: Leigh “Toni” Marshall (Bernard), Stanley “Flip” Greene (Sakena) and Nicole “Nikki” Greene,. She adored her grandchildren: Desirae Marshall, Kamryn Greene, Bryce Greene, and Micah Bracey, and shared a special bond with her beloved granddog, Lovey.

She was a long-time member of Abundant Life Church and Worship Center, where she found spiritual strength and community. She was also a proud alumna of Carver High School and remained connected with fellow graduates, holding tightly to those lifelong bonds.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Stanley, and her sister Pamela Wise.

She leaves behind nine siblings:

Jacqueline Whiteside, Katherine Montgomery, Joe Whiteside Jr., Malcolm Whiteside, Mark Whiteside, Debbie Toms, Robin Jimerson, Jeffrey Whiteside, and Sherry Jimerson; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Joanne was sassy, smart, nurturing, and unapologetically herself. Unafraid to “tell you about yourself.” Her sharp tongue was always wrapped in love, and her advice—whether requested or not—was delivered with conviction and care. She lived boldly, laughed loudly, and loved fiercely. She was deeply loved and fiercely protected by her children.

Her legacy lives on in the stories we share, the meals we remember, the shows we still watch, and the unwavering strength she passed on to all of us.

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