Joanne Marie Zahner

Dr. Joanne Marie Zahner, 68, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, passed away on Thursday,
August 21, 2025, following a relatively minor medical procedure. Her family and friends are devastated by her sudden and unexpected passing.

Born on May 7, 1957, to Joyce Elaine Wheeler Zahner and James Lloyd Zahner,
Joanne lived her adult life in Georgia, between Sandy Springs and Athens Georgia.
She attended Ridgeview High School, later graduating from The Galloway School.

Joanne's love for animals was evident throughout her life. She was an accomplished equestrian and always had a beloved dog at her side. Joanne attended the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1982, followed by a post-doctorate in Pharmacology. Joanne possessed a brilliant mind, a kind heart, a radiant smile, and a contagious laugh. She was deeply devoted to her family and her friends.

Joanne's two passions later in life were antiques and gardening. Her passion
blossomed into American Folk Heritage and The Mulberry House, an antique business she owned for approximately 20 years in Roswell. Her love of gardening led her to transform her home into a garden oasis.

Above all, Joanne loved her family. She was a devoted aunt to four, a loving sister to two, a cherished sister-in-law, a great Aunt and a faithful daughter, wife, and friend. She cared deeply for others and sought to make a positive difference in those she encountered.

That spirit of giving continues in her passing through the extraordinary gift of organ donation. Two lives have been saved by her selfless act.
Joanne is predeceased by her parents, Joyce and James Zahner and her sister-in-law, Candyce Cleo Carson Zahner.

She is lovingly remembered by her brother, Jeffrey Michael Zahner; her sister, Julia Ann Zahner Bailey and brother-in-law Bill Bailey; her nieces, Reese Cleo Zahner Maher, Laney Grace Zahner, and Savanah Fern Bailey; her nephew, Zachary James Bailey; and her great-niece, Stella Grace Bailey.

A service will be held at St. James Methodist Church on Peachtree Dunwoody in
Buckhead, Saturday November 8 th , 11:00am, followed by a celebration of Joanne's life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Lifelink Foundation for organ
donation, https://lifelinkfoundation.org/organ-donation/ in Joanne's memory. Please also consider becoming an organ donor if not already registered.

"When life's hills become too steep to climb on my own, my sister takes my hand
and reminds me that I didn't have to climb it alone to begin with." - Unknown

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