Joann McKee Stafford was born on August 3,1940 in Pheba, Mississippi to the parents of James Terrell and Flora Mae Williams McKee and passed away on October 6, 2023. Joann was a member of Providence United Methodist Church and survived by her daughters, Rhonda Stafford Hancock of Taylorsville, NC, Deborah Stafford Vaughn (Wade) and Pamela Stafford Champion (Robert) of Pheba, MS and Suzanne Stafford Golson (Tommy) of Cedar Bluff, MS, along with her grandchildren Rebekah Hancock Frye (Gaither) of Raleigh, NC, Wesley Champion (Kaitlin) of Maben, MS, John Taylor Champion (Chaney), Eupora, MS, Alex Vaughn, Pheba, MS, Abbie Vaughn of Athens, GA, and great-grandchildren Magnolia Frye, John Maddox Champion, Jase Champion, and Mills Champion.

Joann is survived by her brothers Claude McKee (Dorothy), Floyd McKee (Betty), William McKee (Louise), Kenneth McKee (Lisa), all of Pheba, MS, and sisters Virginia Vance, of Pheba, MS, Cynthia Crotts (Gary), Pachuta, MS, Shirley Long, Pheba, MS, Rannie Gilliland (Jo Ed) and Gola McMullen (Gwin), Maben, MS, Kay White, Wiggins, MS, and Margaret Sizemore, West Point, MS, along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Joann is predeceased by her infant daughter Brenda Annette Stafford, husband Durwood Lamar Stafford, parents James Terrell McKee and Flora Mae Williams McKee, brother Lloyd Ellis McKee, sister Joyce McKee Wright, and infant sister Brenda Gayle McKee.

A long-time resident of Clay County, Mississippi, Joann was employed by Bryan Foods early in her career and later ran her own businesses for more than 25 years. Joann's life was most joyous when she was with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family, especially her grandchildren, was her most beloved treasure. Joann loved to cook, and her home was always filled with family and friends, all of whom would leave knowing they had experienced the ultimate southern cuisine. Joann's table was plentiful, and anyone was always welcome anytime for home cooked meals. Joann enjoyed working in her yard and was an avid gardener nurturing the smallest flowers, plants, and shrubs into spectacular landscapes. Joann also enjoyed reading biographies and autobiographies, especially books written by Billy Graham, and she enjoyed southern gospel music. Joann was beloved by her community, and beyond, and always gave back many times over to those in need, the truest philanthropist.

A celebration of Joann's life will be held at Wise Reed in Eupora, MS on October 8, 2023 with Terry Rhodes and John Taylor Champion officiating. Burial will be at Providence United Methodist Church in Maben, MS. Pallbearers are Wade Vaughn, Robert Champion, Tommy Golson, Wesley Champion, John Taylor Champion, and Alex Vaughn. Honorary pallbearers are Claude McKee, Floyd McKee, William McKee, Kenneth McKee, and Gaither Frye.

The family acknowledges with deep appreciation the doctors, nurses, and other caregivers at the NMMC Long Term Care facility in Eupora for the compassion and love in which they cared for Joann the last few years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Catch A Dream Foundation, Starkville, MS (www.catchadream.org) or the cemetery fund at Providence United Methodist Church in Maben, MS (contact Gola McMullen or LaWanda McMullen, MS Hwy 15, Maben, MS 39750.