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 in Massillon, Ohio, on May 7, 1957, to Joyce Elaine Wheeler Zahner and James Lloyd Zahner, Joanne spent her early childhood in Illinois before moving with her family to Hampton, Georgia, and settling in Sandy Springs in 1967. She attended High Point Elementary and 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. Friends and family fondly imagine her now in heaven’s gardens, surrounded by animals and loved ones who went before her.

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 love of discovery extended beyond animals into antiques. She traveled widely throughout the Midwest and Northeast in search of unique treasures. Her adventures blossomed into American Folk Heritage and The Mulberry House, an antique business on Canton Street in Roswell, Georgia. Many customers became lifelong friends.

Her creativity also bloomed in her love of gardening. Over the years, Joanne transformed her home into a magical garden oasis filled with vibrant flowers, native plants, and wildlife -a reflection of her soul’s beauty. She also cherished her daily three-mile walks at Chastain Park with her beloved dog, Winston.

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. We prayed for a different miracle, however, God granted one in Joanne’s gift of life to others—a blessing we hold close.

Joanne is predeceased by her parents, Joyce and James Zahner; her sister-in-law, Candyce Cleo Carson Zahner; her paternal grandparents, Myra Fern and Lloyd Michael Zahner; and her maternal grandparents, Helen Bauer and Dr. Harvey Wheeler.

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

A service will be held at St. James Methodist Church on Peachtree Dunwoody in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, November 8th, 2025 at 11:00 AM followed by a celebration of Joanne’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Lifelink Foundation for organ donation, LifeLink Foundation 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