Joanna Frisby

Obituary For Joanna Frisby

Joanna Frisby, 82, transitioned to heaven on November 30, 2023 at the UPMC Harrisburg Hospital in Harrisburg, PA. The oldest of 4 siblings, Joanna was born to the late Lucille E. Kendell Williams and the late Ernest Macon, Sr.

She was a servant of God, a loving mother and a protector of family. She was very much loved by her children, family, church, friends and neighbors in the community. She was known for being the reliable mother, friend, nurturer, neighborhood watch, lender, babysitter, cook and so much more.

Joanna was born and raised in Harrisburg, PA. From a young age, Joanna was a servant of God and of the church, as she sat under the tutorage of her grandmother, Church Mother Estelle J. Kendall and mother, Choir Director Lucille E. Williams. She spent her entire life here at Lingo Temple Church Of God In Christ (COGIC) now Lingo Memorial COGIC. From childhood to adulthood, she was active in various church auxillaries in the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, District and Local levels. She served in several ministries at Lingo Memorial. After the passing of her mother, she became Choir Director for the Lucille E. Williams Memorial Choir. She was still active and leader for the Ushers Ministry and The Ever Readies Auxiliary. Joanna loved to sing and grew up singing in the church choir. Her fondest memories were traveling with the State Choir to Philadelphia and other areas to sing. She also sang with the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark and the Clark Sisters.

Joanna graduated from the former William Penn High School in Harrisburg, PA and wanted to pursue a career in nursing. After landing a job as a Candy Stripper at the Harrisburg Hospital, she quickly moved on, she didn’t like the sight of blood. She went on to become the first female warehouse forklift driver for Pittsburgh Plate Glass and Rite Aide Corporation in Shiresmantown, PA for twenty years until it closed its warehouses. She quickly found a home at the Sunoco Plus (Harrisburg, PA) where she worked another 20 years until retiring at the age of 78 years old.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Lucille Williams; her father, Ernest Macon, Sr; her brothers, Wayne and Donald Williams and great granddaughter, Bayleigh Michelle Bracken. She leaves behind to cherish memories of her; her sons, Effrom Macon(Caprice), Michael Macon and Corey Frisby, all of Harrisburg, PA; her daughter, Michelle Bracken of Clinton, MD; her grandchildren, Tre Bracken, Tiara Bracken, Todd Jerel Macon, Effrom Macon, Todjae Macon, Michael Macon, Jr., Akealah Frisby, Cianale McClure and Kyvell Griffin; her two great grandchildren, Rayvin Macon and Brooklynne Bracken; her brother, Ernest Macon, Jr.; along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Joanna will be dearly missed.

Her life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023 in the Sanctuary of her church, 2747 Reel Street, Harrisburg with viewing and visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.