Obituaries

Joanne Palmer Corns passed away on November 6, 2025, at the age of 85. Joanne, a longtime resident of Martinsville, VA, was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother who built a wonderful life surrounded by the people she loved most.

She was born on May 13, 1940 to the late Luke Patterson Palmer and Viola Adell Gauldin Palmer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Henry Patterson Palmer.

Joanne is survived by her husband, Earl Wilford Corns. She was his devoted wife and partner for 66 years and 6 months—a true testament to their enduring love story.

Joanne poured her heart into her roles as a mother and grandmother. She is survived by her two sons, John Stephen Corns and his wife, Akiko, and Michael Alan Corns and wife, Kriste; four granddaughters, Emma Yoshimi Adell Corns, Ellie Ryoko Marie Corns, Naomi Corns Gongon and her husband, Kevin, and Julia Corns Pitts and her husband, Evan.

Joanne cherished her family above all else and enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. She held her granddaughters incredibly close, especially those sweet memories of reading to them when they were young. When she wasn't busy being the loving matriarch, she stayed active by enjoying the friendly competition of bowling, peaceful afternoons of fishing, and exploring the world through family travels. Some of her happiest days were spent at the beach—especially on treasured family trips to Edisto Island. A woman of faith, Joanne was also a dedicated member of Chatham Heights Christian Church.

Friends and family are invited to join us to celebrate Joanne's life. A visitation will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, 11/10/2025 at Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home, 109 Broad Street, Martinsville, VA. A graveside committal service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Roselawn Burial Park, 103 Clearview Drive, Martinsville, VA. Reverend J.D. Harmon will officiate.