Joanne Michele Carter was born April 2, 1953, in Oakland, California. Joanne was the 5th child of 10 children born to Reverend Joseph and First Lady Mattie Cooper. Joanne accepted Christ at a very early age and grew up in a loving Christian home. She loved playing with her siblings and cheerleading. 

She received her primary education at Brookfield elementary and completed middle school at Madison Jr High. Joanne graduated from Castlemont High School Class of 1971. On June 3, 1972, Joanne married Bobby James Carter. The couple had three children: Bobby James, Jr., Tomiko A, and Shakisha R. Carter.

In 1975, Joanne went to work for Owens Brockway Glasss Company, where she worked various positions and was ultimately promoted to receiving manager. After 28 years of service,     Joanne suffered a heart attack that forced her to retire from the job she loved so much. 

Her inability to drive didn't stop Joanne from getting out into the world and interacting with the Hayward community. She could be seen walking in all parts of the city of Hayward. In the footsteps of her parents who tirelessly served others, Joanne prided herself on helping others and putting a smile on the faces of anyone who crossed her path. One of the most memorable examples of this was the time she spent helping out a small church in her neighborhood that she came across on one of her walks. The church was givig out food and although Joanne had just finished helping the late Reverend Windell Ross with his food ministry, she was compelled to stop and help. She worked with the church from that day forward and was eventually put in charge of their food ministry. Joanne was an avid San Francisco 49ers and Golden State Warriors fan. She loved Steph, Klay, and Dray!

Joanne was preceeded in death by her prents, Reverend Joseph and Mattie Cooper, her two children Bobby James, Jr., Tomiko A., her granddaughter Sincere Sha'nee Harris, her siblings, Carl, Carol, Carolyn, Donald, and Robert Cooper, beloved niece Carleatha Jennings and Donovan Cooper, brothers-in-law John Willie Milton, Cleon Harvey, and beloved cat Peach.

Joanne will be missd by all who had the pleasure of being in her presence. She leaves to cherish her memory her beautiful daughter Shakisha R. Carter, brother Joseph Cooper (Paula), sisters Sherry Harvey, Verna Milton, and Candi Williams (Keith). She will also be missed by her many family members and friends including her nieces, nephews, and cousins.