Ella Joann Carver

Ella (Joann) Carver, age 88, of Middlesboro KY formerly of (Nichols and Sumter, SC) passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at the Rockcastle Health and Rehab facility in Brodhead, KY. She was born January 19, 1937, the daughter of the late Samuel Bishop Floyd and Ethel Rogers Floyd of Nichols, S.C.

Joann was devoted and committed to her faith and had a profound love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She actively participated in church activities throughout the years and remained a faithful attendee until her health began to decline. She was married to James Wilson of Sumter S.C. in June of 1960, and they were married for over 41 years. They raised their daughter Cynthia to love the Lord. Both Joann and James provided a nurturing home and true example(s) of hard work and dedication to their family. Joann later married Jerry Carver of Middlesboro KY, and they were married till his passing.

Joann often provided child-care to working mothers in her community in Sumter S.C. She was known as Nanny to many of those children but especially to her older grandsons, and she would spoil them with Moon Pies and Pepsi-Colas. She enjoyed gardening and sitting on the porch swing in the late summer afternoons. Her favorite vegetables were turnip greens, squash, field peas, and okra. 

Joann often shared stories of those early years with her family growing up on her father’s farm in the low country, fishing, farming, and her Dad’s Barbeque business. Joann’s favorite holidays were Thanksgiving and Christmas, and she loved to decorate for Christmas. Her kindness and gentle spirit will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Joann is preceded in death by her sister, Ruby Floyd Gibson; brothers, Bishop Floyd Jr. and Samuel Floyd; nephew, Jerry Gibson; grandson, Robert James Lawrence Sr.; and her late husband, Jerry Carver. 

She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Cynthia Wilson (Lawrence) and husband David of North Carolina; seven grandsons; and four great grandsons. Joann is also survived by her nieces, Charlie Mae Black, Ann Dew (Samuel Floyd), and Joy, Rhonda, and Charles Floyd (Bishop Floyd Jr.); nephew, Gene Gibson (Ruby Floyd Gibson); and many great nieces and nephews.

All services for Ella (Joann) Carver will be private. 

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com. 

All arrangements for Ella (Joann) Carver are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.