Joanna Coscia

On the morning of September 2, 2025, Joanna Louise Coscia of Southaven, Mississippi entered her heavenly home at the age of 97 years.

Joanna was born Giovanna Luisa to the late Frank and Jesse Coscia on April 2, 1928 in Memphis, Tennessee. She was the oldest of six children and loved “mothering” them all. For 73 years, she was married to her first and only love, Joseph Jesse Coscia of Frayser, Tennessee. Together, they shared a life of faith and family.

Joanna accepted Jesus as her Savior and Lord as a young child. With her family she attended an Italian Pentecostal Church across the street from their home. In her teens the family began to attend First Assembly of God Church in Memphis. Little did she realize she would worship her Lord and followship with this church family for more than 80 years. She loved teaching children about Jesus. For 66 years, “Miss Joanna” inspired many generations of children as she taught first grade Sunday School. She dedicated her life to nurturing the spiritual growth of countless young hearts. She was also an active member of the church choir for many years. Her life was well spent serving God, her family, and her church family.

She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Jesse Coscia, her husband Joseph, her siblings, Virginia (Buster) McDaniel, Frank (JoAnne) Coscia, Estelle (Jim) Fanning, and Charles (Joyce) Coscia.

She is survived by her children Deborah (Chuck) Haaland and Joseph (Sherry) Coscia, her grandchildren Rudy Coscia, Stephanie (Justin) Haddock, Catey (Will) Batt, her great-grandchildren Jayden, Keegan, Maddox, Rainer, Ryleigh and Veda Haddock, Lawson and Barrett Batt, her sister Phoebe (Richard) Drach, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the caregivers for their love and quality care given to Mrs. Joanna; Janet Fisher, Shirley Jones, Sandra, Lou, Helen, and Katelynn.

Memorials may be made to Gideons International.