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 who preceded her in death in 2020. 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. Since the children didn’t speak Italian, the family began to attend First Assembly of God Church in Memphis. She loved teaching children about Jesus. For 66 years, “Miss Joanna” inspired many generations of children as she taught 1st grade Sunday School. She dedicated her life to nurturing the spiritual growth of countless young hearts, teaching children, and being a constant presence in their lives. 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; siblings, Virginia (Buster) McDaniel, Frank (JoAnne) Coscia, Estelle (Jim) Fanning, and Charles (Joyce) Coscia.

She is survived by her children, Deborah (Chuck) Haaland, 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, Janet Fisher and Shirley Jones, for the loving care given to Mrs. Joanna.