Joann Helene Wilks

Joann Helene Wilks of Smyrna, Tennessee passed away peacefully at her home on February 23, 2025 at the age of 66 to Marvin Emory and Geraldine Elaine (Helland) Wellnitz. She was born on August 28, 1958 in Minneapolis, MN. Where she lived out her life in Smyrna, TN. She worked construction most of her life. With a love for trucks, motorcycles and heavy equipment. She is preceded in death by her parents Marvin and Geraldine Wellnitz, sister Janet Karen Higginbotham and brother Richard Martin Wellnitz. She is survived by her Sisters Rose Marie Arndtof Chandler AZ, Linda Betty Acuna of Chandler AZ, Brother James Edward and Roxie Wellnitz of Pocatello ID. Daughter Tanya Annette and David Podoll of Farmington NM. Grandkids Austin and Nicole Lanier, Katelinn Lanier, and Gracelynn Podoll. Great grandbabies Braxton Lanier, Jace Lanier, and Karson Lanier as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Joann as most of the people close to her would call her butterfly as she was a free spirit. She loved to travel and had lived in many places like Texas, Florida and Tennessee but her heart would forever be in the outdoors. She had never met a stranger and would talk to anyone that she came in contact with. She ran heavy equipment and drove trucks all her life. She loved to tell stories of her adventures from different places but more than that she loved the fur babies that were waiting when she would return home. She loved her daughter and the kitties more than anything until her grandbabies started having babies. She deeply loved her family and friends. she will be forever remembered and deeply missed. The family would like to thank I-24 Nashville campgrounds, for the care and compassion they showed our loved one in their final years. Don and the ladies were always there for her no matter what. A celebration of life will be held later for friends and family alike