Joann Gerold

Joann Kolker Gerold of Red Bank, Tenn., passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Feb. 18, 2017, at the age of 81. Daughter of the late, Carl Kolker Sr., and Mabel Williams, Joann was an avid gardener, reader, and pearl-enthusiast who was known for her wicked sense of humor and sharp wit. Family and friends will remember her for April Fools shenanigans and colorful language, as well as her love of crime dramas and sci-fi. She spent roughly 30 years serving as a leading member of the Paragon Place Community Club and working as a seamstress at Gordon’s Cleaners. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, Thomas Gerold. She is survived by her brother, Carl Kolker Jr., and his wife, Phyllis; her children, Tomee Sellars and husband Randy, Richard Gerold, Nanci Reilly and husband Jimmy, and Tim Gerold and wife, Cindy; as well as her grandchildren Amanda Goplin and husband Jesse, Mitchell Gerold, Cate Gerold, Tyler Carroll and wife Alex, Justus Needham, and Mary Jane Reilly. An informal visitation will be held at her home on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. A private graveside service will be held at the Chattanooga National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Semper Fi Fund for wounded veterans would be greatly appreciated in honor of her grandson Tyler Carroll’s service to our country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.