Mary Moates Joines

JOINES, Mary Moates, age 75, of Dunwoody, passed away peacefully at her home on September 28, 2017, with her family by her side. Mary was born in Enterprise, AL, and educated at Judson College in Marion, AL (freshman year) and Auburn University (BS, Education). Upon graduation, Mary moved to Pensacola, FL where she taught school and met Naval Lieutenant Commander Ike Joines who was a flight surgeon at the Naval Air Station Pensacola. They married in 1966, and Mary had fond memories of traveling from city to city in Europe to meet his ship at port and explore.

Mary and Ike relocated to Atlanta in 1968 and they had four children in less than six years. Mary became a member of Peachtree Presbyterian Church in 1980, and the church and Pastor Dr. Frank Harrington were instrumental in helping her recover from the unexpected death of her husband in late 1980. Her children were her life and she worked tirelessly to provide them with a happy, secure and loving upbringing. She was a selfless mother, who showed amazing strength, grace and perseverance at all times, regardless of the challenges she faced.

Mary returned to teaching in the school systems of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties in the mid 1980’s, and continued doing so until 2002 after her diagnosis with multiple myeloma. At that time, her job became fighting this disease, as she always had a strong will to live and enjoy life and to be there for her children and grandchildren. She loved spending time with family, attending sporting and school events for her grandchildren, and keeping up with her many long-time friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Iverson Wesley Joines, II M.D., mother Anne Rogers Moates and father Thomas Harris Moates. She is survived by her brothers, Thomas Harris Moates, Jr. (Carolyn) and John Abner Moates (Maxine) of Enterprise, Alabama; her daughter, Laura Joines of Atlanta; son and daughter-in-law Robert and Barbara Joines of Milton, GA; grandsons Michael and Mark Joines; daughter and son-in-law Martha and Ross Guy of Atlanta, GA; grandson Joe and granddaughter Betsy; son and daughter-in-law Mark and Courtney Joines of Dunwoody, GA; grandson Iverson "Ben” and granddaughter Elsie.

A memorial service will be held at 2 P.M. on Monday, October 2, 2017 in the Sanctuary at Peachtree Presbyterian Church with Pastor Scott Tucker officiating, followed by a graveside burial at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs. Prior to the memorial service, the family will hold a reception at 12:30 P.M. in the Williams Center, also at Peachtree Presbyterian Church.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University, and especially to Dr. Sagar Lonial’s team, who championed Mary's courageous fight with multiple myeloma. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in support of the Winship Multiple Myeloma Fund, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 1762 Clifton Rd. NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30322. Online condolences can be expressed at www.asturner.com.