Annette "Joanne" Burford

Annette Laverna Johnson Burford, affectionately known as Joanne Mays, 62, of Lynchburg, VA entered into eternal rest on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Lynchburg General Hospital.

Joanne was born in Richmond, VA to the late Claudette W. Brown and William A. Johnson. She was raised in love by the late Ulysses (Jabo) and Rosa Mays, of Madison Heights, VA. She was preceded in death by her Husband Clifton E. (Maggie) Burford, Sr. and one Brother Anthony Tucker.

Joanne was fun, loving, compassionate and devoted to her family. She was a straight shooter. She said what she meant and meant exactly what she said. She loved to talk and never met a stranger. Joanne enjoyed having a good time. You could catch her on the dance floor at family events or at home in the living room. She did not play about her children and grandchildren, and she was very protective of her three Brothers. Joanne could always be found on the ballfield cheering on her son and grandchildren. She was the best nanny ever to Shayla, Latreal, Ryleigh, Makenzie and Kennedy. She would travel miles upon miles to be with them. When not on the field she and her confidant, her ride or die Daughter loved to hit the road to Richmond. In most recent days Joanne valued quiet evenings at home, watching TV with her lifetime friend, companion and caregiver Luther J. Richardson.

Left to cherish her memories are her one and only daughter; Latrinda A. Burford; son, Clifton “Boy Boy” Burford (Amber); bonus children, Keith Franklin (Sara) and Kathy Franklin Robinson (Thomas); two godchildren, Terrence and Ashley Harmon; ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; eight sisters, Venice Watkins, Wanda Wilson, Keicia Johnson, Tonya Johnson, Phyllis Fuqua, Mary Woody, Cynthia (Elmon) Ross and Sharon Jones; five brothers, Tony Watkins, Quinton Johnson, Kenneth Mays, Dr. M.D. Mays (Florence), and Granville “Panny” Mays; beloved cousins, Constance Coles and Jennifer Brown; best friend, Celestine Burks; sister-friend, Gale Rose; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 23, 2024 at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.