Joanne Warwick Keenum passed away peacefully on Sept. 3, 2026.
She was born in Roanoke Rapids on July 11, 1934. She was the daughter of Atlas Lee and Lossie Olivia Edwards.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Atlas and Lossie Edwards; her husband, Marion Edward Warwick; husband, William G Keenum; sister, Margaret Edwards Connell; brother, Donald Lee Edwards; and grandson, Michael Lee Warwick.
Joanne graduated from Roanoke Rapids High School where she excelled in basketball and met her husband Edward (Snake) Warwick. They married after graduation and built a life beginning in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where Edward began his military service, and then his business career landed them in Rockingham.
They had and raised four children, and enjoyed a wonderful life together filled with friends, family and a home filled with love, joy and laughter until Edward's sudden passing in 1989.
In her early 60s, Joanne was introduced to and began playing golf. Being athletic, in a short period of time, she became a competitive golfer, winning tournaments which took her to Scotland and many other places over the years. Those later years, golfing and friends became a large part of her life that she enjoyed with her husband, Bill. They enjoyed golf at the Surf Club in North Myrtle Beach with friends and family for many years where Mothers Day tournaments with her children became an annual tradition which was always a highlight for her.
We are grateful to the staff at Riverpark Assisted Living Memory Care, and to the FirstHealth Hospice (Felicia) in North Myrtle Beach, for the love and care she received in the past months. We are also thankful to Richmond County Hospice and Hospice Haven in Rockingham for the care and support shown to her and to our family.
Joanne was a member of Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church in North Myrtle Beach where she volunteered in the nursery and for children’s events. Her love for children was always evident throughout her life. She was dedicated to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always making holidays and family gatherings special with memories we will carry forever.
She is survived by her children, Mike Warwick and wife Debbie of Clayton, Bobby Warwick and wife Judy of Rockingham, Vicki Warwick Columbus and husband Nick of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Barry Warwick and wife Paige of Sneads Ferry; brother, James R. (Jimmy) Edwards and wife Mary (Teeny) Edwards; grandchildren, Michelle Wester, Brian Grout, Layne Johnson, Matt Warwick, Krystal Warwick; stepdaughter, Tanya Young; step-granddaughters, Nikki Slagle and Paige Hillis; 12 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at Eastside Cemetery in Rockingham with the Rev. C.F. McDowell III officiating. Following the service there will be a reception at the First Presbyterian Church in Rockingham in the fellowship hall where the family will be greeting friends.
Memorials may be made to Richmond Co. Hospice, 1119 U.S. Hwy. 1 N., Rockingham, N.C. 28379.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Keenum family.
