JoAnn Bayliss, 78, went home to be with her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, on December 5, 2024.
Born JoAnn Harpest on October 14, 1946, in New Bedford, MA, JoAnn was the daughter of the late Don E. and Dolores “Del” (Correia) Harpest. The family then made their home in Logan County, OH.
JoAnn met her loving husband of 59 years, Charles William “Bill” Bayliss, at Shively’s Restaurant and Drive In, Bellefontaine when he caught her eye with his Burgundy 1963 Mercury Comet Cyclone. They vowed to love one another on June 19, 1965 and from their marriage their family grew with children – Shelley (Dave) Smyth, Scott Bayliss, and Jana (David) Caudill, grandchildren – Lydia, Noah, and Joel Smyth, Mallary (Tyler) Zimpfer, Adalyn and Jace Caudill, and great-granddaughter Amelia Jo Zimpfer.
JoAnn’s greatest joy was her family, to whom she devoted her time, talents, and faith. A dedicated homemaker, she was also actively involved on the family’s farm. She worked outside the home before embracing what she considered her most fulfilling role—being an active and loving grandmother. JoAnn took special delight in teaching her granddaughters to sew and encouraging their creative talents, while supporting her grandsons in their athletic and outdoor adventures. She also enjoyed spending time in her flowerbeds in Ohio and Florida.
JoAnn was deeply committed to Jesus, evident in her commitment to welcome, her hospitality, and service to all she encountered. JoAnn worshiped at their home church in Ohio, West Mansfield Methodist Church, and while at their Florida home, First Baptist Church Estero. She found fulfillment in Bible studies, sharing her faith, and cultivating meaningful relationships. JoAnn was caring and compassionate and will be remembered by many for consistently praying for others, sending cards and notes of encouragement.
In addition to her immediate family, JoAnn is survived by her sister Donna (Lowell) Hill; nephew Lance (Nikki) Hill and their children; the extended Bayliss family, including Bill’s six siblings, their spouses, and numerous nieces and nephews; as well as her “adopted-in-love” family, Sharon (Clark) McDaniel, and Cole (Megan) and Myles McDaniel. She was preceded in death by her nieces, Jessica Bayliss and Lindsay Hill.
A Celebration of Life Service will be at noon Saturday, December 21, at RushChurch, 170 Mill Street East, Rushsylvania, OH. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Saturday at the church, beginning at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to JoAnn’s beloved ministry: Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ), 100 Lake Hart Dr, Orlando, FL 83832 (Memo #0356651), or to Universal Home Health & Hospice, 921 Rush Avenue, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311. Wilson Funeral Home, Schnurrenberger Chapel 222 W. Center St. West Mansfield is assisting the family and condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilsonfuneralhomesinc.com
