Joni Pressley's Obituary
Joni Sossamon Pressley, 63, was born August 28, 1958 to the late Jonathan Harvey Sossamon, Sr. and Hazelene Gant Sossamon. She passed into the company of her Savior, Jesus Christ, Saturday, December 18, 2021, due to complications of the Covid virus at Atrium Health Northeast in Concord, NC.
Born and raised in Charlotte, NC, she and Randy had recently moved to Cabarrus county near Mt. Pleasant, NC. She graduated from North Meck High School in 1976. Joni earned her education degree in Special Education from Appalachian State University and a Master's degree from UNCC. She married Randy Pressley on September 29, 1990, and were blessed to share 31 years together in union as one.
A member of Grace Church, PCA in Harrisburg, NC, she grew in her faith and in love of God's Word. Joni had a great joy for the Ladies Bible Study and was blessed by the preaching and teaching of her pastor, Doug Agnew. Joni taught and loved Special Needs Children for 35 years at Devonshire, Dilworth, Eastover, and Pinewood Elementary. She also mentored many student and young teachers over her long career. Joni was a National Board Certified Teacher. Her love, teaching skills, and persistent dedication touched and improved many children's lives and families. Joni was awarded "Teacher of the Year" in 2014 at Pinewood Elementary School.
Joni had many and varied interests and pastimes including arts and crafts, painting, photography, reading, camping, fishing, day trips to the mountains, and spending vacations at Cherry Grove Beach with dear friends for the past 30 years plus. She was always ready to spend time at the Elliott House and Meeting Street Inn at Charleston, SC. She was always eager to enjoy time with her family whether at sporting events, birthdays, and trips with them at Garden City Beach, SC.
In addition to her parents, Joni was preceded in death by her sisters, Judy Hicks (Frankie) of Mooresville, NC, and Janet Hinson (Marvin) of Lowesville, NC.
Joni is survived by her husband of 31 years, Randy Pressley; her sister, Jane Ann Ervin (Gary) of Advance, NC; brother, Jonathan Sossamon (Leisa) of Charlotte, NC; and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The visitation will be held on Sunday, December 26, 7:00-9:00 PM at James Funeral Home.
The graveside service will be private at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery in Cornelius and the memorial service will be held on the same day, 1:00 PM at Grace Church in Harrisburg, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family and obituary lovingly written by the family.
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