JoAnn Baker Dennis, 53 of the Baxterville community, went into the waiting arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ early Monday morning from her home, surrounded by her loving family. Born January 15, 1967 in Columbia, she was the daughter of Charles E., Jr. and Judith Ann (Wright) Baker. She grew up a country girl, on her grandfather's family farm in Marion county. JoAnn was no stranger to tending cows, hogs and many other chores to be done, including picking cotton before going to school in the morning. She enjoyed most anything outdoors, such as swimming, fishing, camping and the like. JoAnn also had a fondness for music and roller skating, which stuck with her through life. She married Buford Dennis at the age of 15 and they made their home there early on, living in places like Pineburr, MS to Dadeville, AL through the years, as Buford worked and provided for the family. In 1993 they returned to home to South MS and have lived in Baxterville for the past several years. JoAnn is remembered as the most loving wife and mother, best companion and the joy of Buford's life for over 38 years, even though she enjoyed distracting and making him fuss a little while he was fishing. A compassionate woman with an overly caring heart, she was willing and eager to help those in need, no matter what. A born-again Christian by faith, JoAnn was a member and served however she could at Baxterville Church of God. She was ever helpful to those in need and enjoyed playing softball for the church. JoAnn was the type to speak her mind, always making sure you knew that she loved you. She was always there for her children, teaching them many things in life. How to skate, about music, how to cook and be the best parent they could, just to name a couple. She will no doubt be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all who knew her. She was preceded by her father, Charles Baker, Jr. and her mother and step-father, Judith and Larry Ball; one son Levi Garrett, her granddaughter Ashtin White, a sister Lawanda Holmes and brother James Baker. Left to cherish her memories are: her loving husband Buford Dennis, son Jordan Dennis and daughter Tina (Kevin) Arndt, all of Baxterville; her daughter Tasha (Josh) King of Foxworth; son Buford, II (Mary) Dennis of Wilmer, AL; sisters Tammy, Carla Jo (Chespi) and Diane (David), and her brother Randall (Regina). She leaves a legacy of five grandchildren who she dearly loved: Destiny, Austin, Jeyden, Lilly and Casey, along with numerous extended family, friends and neighbors through the years. Funeral services have tentatively been set for Friday, September 18th at Trinity Funeral Services in Lumberton, if possible due to the impending weather situation. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00. Afterward JoAnn will be laid to rest in the Advance Cemetery. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Dennis family in their time of need, asking everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.