Joann Emma Bednar Sump, age 88, of Hickory, NC, passed away Friday, May 3, 2024, at Carolina Caring - Catawba Valley Hospice House in Newton, NC.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 12, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Bednar and Emma Baughman Bednar. She was married to the love of her life, William Kenneth Sump, for 51 years, until his death in 2010. She was also preceded in death by her children, Robert Joseph Sump and Karen Lynn Sump.

Mrs. Sump was formerly a beautician and a Girl Scout leader. She was very active in Alcoholics Anonymous and served as a drug and alcohol abuse counselor at the Leath Correctional Institution in Greenwood, SC. She also volunteered at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood and is a member of their Volunteer Wall of Fame.

She is survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Carolina Caring - Catawba Valley Hospice House.