Joanna Washington Larkins

Ms. Joanna Washington Larkins age 88 was born May 10, 1937 to the late Louis and Bessie Washington in Bethel, TN.  Joanna made her earthly transition to her eternal rest on December 30, 2025 surrounded by family. Joanna accepted Christ at a young age at Willow Grove Missionary Baptist Church where she also received her early education which at the time was school and church.  She later moved to Elkmont with her family where she attended Trinity High School. As an adult she moved to Nashville where she was a member of Pilgrim Emanuel Baptist Church 50 plus years under the leadership of Reverend Oscar Miles. She served as President of Senior Usher Board. She sang in the church #2 Choir. She also served in the church Willing Works Auxiliary. After leaving Pilgrim she then joined with Hicks Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Pastor Jerry Holt. Joanna attended Nashville Cosmetology School graduating and receiving her license to do hair. She was a beautician for 60 plus years. She was a member of the Tennessee Beautician Association. 

Joanna was united in holy matrimony to Denver Larkins who preceded her in death.  She was also preceded in death by her brothers, John David Washington and James “aka Ginny” Washington; Sisters, Addie Lee Gilbert, Mary Virginia Johnson, Christine Johnson and Lou Ella Washington; Brother-in-laws, William H. Gilbert, John A. Johnson and Gilbert Johnson; and Sister-in-law, Liz Washighton. 

Joanna leaves to cherish her memories her baby sister, Nell Ruth (Mitchell) Birdsong; her devoted niece, Darlene Birdsong; bonus nephew Henry Birdsong; bonus children, Julian and Beverly Silverfield, life-long friend of 63 years, Elizabeth B. Cooke and a host of additional nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces, great-great nephews and cousins.  She will be truly missed.

Public viewing for Joanna Washington Larkins will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Jordan Funeral Home, 327 Mill Street, Pulaski, TN.

Funeral service will be on Thursday, January 8, 2025 beginning with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and the 11:00 a.m. service immediately following at Hicks Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 1515 Sweetbriar Avenue, Nashville, TN.

Interment will be in Greenwood Main Cemetery, Nashville, Tennessee.
Jordan Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Joanna Washington Larkins.