Joanne Foward

Joanna Foward, age 80, peacefully departed this life and entered eternal rest; embraced by the love of God she so deeply reflected throughout her life. Born on November 7, 1944, in Tallassee, Alabama, to the late Charlie and Verlie Miliner, Joanne was a radiant soul from the very beginning — kind, caring and full of grace.

She received her early education at Roosevelt and proudly graduated from Dunbar High School in 1963. With a passion for beauty and a gift for connection, she went on to graduate from Honey’s School of Cosmetology. On August 7, 1965, she married the love of her life, Lovell Foward. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family.

A longtime resident of Trotwood, Ohio, Joanne was a proud retiree of the U.S. Postal Service, where she served diligently for many years. She was also a faithful and active member of the Eastern Stars, where her dedication to service and sisterhood was deeply cherished.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents: Charlie and Verlie Miliner; her dear siblings: Clister Jordan, Toyal Miliner-Alexander, Betty Wilkes, Eloise Blue-Siler, Charles Miliner, Johnnie Johnson and William.

Joanne was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband: Lovell Foward; beloved children: Sonya L. Foward, Shemeka J. Foward, and Sheton V. Foward-Smith; her treasured grandchildren: Taiyisha S. Foward, Shyanne G. Smith, and Massiyah G. Smith; and her adored great-grandchildren: Myla S. McBeth, Liana M. Smith and Marley Rose S. McBeth; her siblings: Kenneth (Robin), Patricia and Cyril Miliner; a host of very well loved nieces, nephews, and friends.

To know Joanne was to know love. She loved like God loved — selflessly, unconditionally, and without hesitation. She treated everyone with dignity and kindness, always extending a helping hand and a listening ear. Her heart of gold touched everyone she met.

Joanne was a woman of deep faith and unwavering values. She instilled in her children the importance of love, compassion, and humility. She made countless willing sacrifices to ensure her family’s well-being, and her legacy of strength and grace lives on through them. She was always there — ready with wisdom, laughter, or simply a warm embrace.

Her love for travel and interior design brought joy not only to herself but to those she shared it with, particularly her children, who carry forward her adventurous spirit and eye for beauty.

Joanne didn’t want to leave us, but God, in His perfect timing, called her home. Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort knowing that her spirit remains with us — in every act of kindness, every loving word, and every memory she leaves behind.

Her journey here may have ended, but her light will forever shine.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

Rest in peace, Joanne. You were truly one of a kind.

Funeral service 1 pm Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at House of Wheat Funeral Home, 2107 N. Gettysburg Ave., Dayton, OH. Visitation 10 am- 1 pm. Family will receive friends 12 pm- 1pm. Interment 10 am Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Dayton National Cemetery.

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