Billie Jean Blackwell

Notes:

ELIZABETHTON - Joann "Pnut" Perkins, 83, 276 Sunrise Drive, Elizabethton, went to be with her Lord Monday, September 2, at The Hospice House in Bristol, TN.

A native of Carter County, she was the daughter of the late Andy J. Nidiffer and Josephine Nave Nidiffer. Joann was a graduate of Unaka High School and attended Steed College in Johnson City. Joann began working in the local banking industry at a young age, holding various positions at Carter County Bank, Citizens Bank, then serving as Executive Vice President at Watauga Valley Bank. After banking she worked in various roles in different industries then retired from Carter County Highway Department, where she assisted in the office when her husband Jack served as Superintendent.

Joann was a faithful and active member of Pleasant Beach Baptist Church where she participated as a member of the choir, food committee, and visited those who were sick or unable to attend. She was a Sunday School teacher, Children's Choir Director, and member of the Adult Choir at the church where she grew up. She was also an active member of the Carter County Republican Party where she served as Secretary for multiple years. She was voted Republican of The Year in 2018.

Joann dearly loved her church family. During her illness, attending church is what she missed the most. She was always witty, hopeful, and positive even in her darkest hours. "Tomorrow will be better" she would always consistently say. Tomorrow has come. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

In addition to her parents Joann was preceded in death by her husband Jack Perkins, brother Wheeler (Jay) Nidiffer, sister Kathryn Collins, Brother Isaac (Link) Nidiffer, and brother-in-law Earl Collins. Those left to cherish her memory include her sisters-in-law Katie Nidiffer and Carolyn Nidiffer both of Elizabethton; niece Katrina Nidiffer of Nashville; nephew Toby (Carol) Nidiffer, great nephew Andrew (Alyssa) Nidiffer, and great niece Kerri Nidiffer all of Marietta, GA; special cousin Jan Showalter, Johnson City. Many cousins, extended family, and special friends also survive.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 4, from 5 to 7 pm at Memorial Funeral Chapel, followed by a celebration of life service with Rev. Mark Fowler and Rev. Bobby Stout officiating and music provided by Greg Ruston, Katrina Nidiffer, and Tawana Holland. Graveside service will be on Thursday, September 5, at 11am at Happy Valley Memorial Park.

Active Pallbearers will be Junior Stanley, Alex Campbell, Clarence Reed, Larry Vaughn, Jr., Richard Thompson, Tony Bowers, Andrew Nidiffer, and Hugh Buckles. Honorary Pallbearers include Rick Meredith, Johnny Holder, Rick Cates, Johnny Ledford, Larry Vaughn Sr., Frank Buchanan, Dean Pearce, Jerry Bowers, Doug Graham, Eddie Nidiffer, Braylon Campbell, Brogen Campbell, and the ladies of Pleasant Beach Baptist Church.

Family/Spouse: Ralph Howard Troutman. Ralph (son of Hezekiah T. "Hezzie" Troutman and Delia Heaton) was born on 25 Aug 1935 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; died on 24 Sep 2016 in Washintgon County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Happy Valley Memorial Park, , Carter County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]