Joann Grimes Slay, 81, passed away peacefully on the morning of June 2, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. She was born in Chipley, Florida, on November 20, 1943, the only daughter of the late Joseph and Bennie Davis Grimes.

She is survived by her brother, Henry Grimes (Susan), her only son, Kelley Davis Slay (Kelly), her cherished granddaughters, Riley Slay Liguori (Michael) and Megan Slay Bosley (William), as well as her precious great granddaughters, Kennedy, Wynn, and Campbell. Her memory also lives on with her nephews, Benjamin and Michael Grimes, and her niece, Tena Rae Mitchell.

After graduating from Chipley High School in 1962, Joann attended Chipola Junior College, where she earned a two-year degree. After the birth of her son, and while working part-time as a legal secretary, Joann went back to college at The Florida State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She went on to law school at FSU, where she also earned her Juris Doctor degree in 1978, going from legal secretary to partner at Harnett, Curry & Slay in Quincy, Florida.

In 1997, Joann left her law practice and moved to South Florida. There, she joined her son and his growing family and served a dual role as grandmother/general counsel for her son's family business. Joann's greatest joy was helping to raise her granddaughters, both whom were blessed with many memories of spending time with their beloved "GJo".

Joann retired in 2004 and returned to her hometown of Chipley, where she purchased an historic home on Main Street and happily lived for 17 years. During that time, Joann was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder and board member for many years.

In 2021, Joann moved to Jacksonville, Florida, to be close to her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughters. She lived two blocks from her son until last year, when her declining health required a move to a nearby assisted living facility. She regularly saw her family while there and was lovingly cared for by the Starling Assisted Living and Memory Care staff.

Joann is predeceased by her brother, James (Bozy) Grimes and his wife, Alta Sewell Grimes. She will be laid to rest next to her family in Chipley's Glenwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the First Presbyterian Church, 658 5th Street, Chipley, on Friday, June 6th. Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm, with a church service at 3:00 pm, and interment immediately following. Donations to the church in Joann's memory are requested in lieu of flowers.