Joanne Marie

1953 - 2019

Joanne Marie was born on September 5, 1953 in Jacksonville, Florida. She transitioned from her earthly life on October 16, 2019 at Jackson Memorial Hospital with her twin sister, Barbara Marie George and brother-in-law Charles George at her side. Her parents, the late Joseph and Theresa Marie were blessed with a set of beautiful twin girls, Barbara, the first born, and Joanne, the second. They made a loving home for the family in Green Cove Springs, Florida (Clay County). The Marie Family never wavered from their faith in God and belief that education was a major stepping stone to success.

After graduating from the public school system, Joanne was excited about going to college and during that time Florida Memorial College (University) was working through its transition from its St. Augustine, FL campus. The Marie Family did not forget about Florida Memorial College, considering most of the family had graduated from there when it was a two-year institution. It was under heavy consideration, but at that time, her mother (Joseph, died Jan.1971), made the decision for Joanne and Barbara to attend Bethune Cookman College (University), in Daytona Beach, FL. Joanne and Barbara were inseparable and loved and laughed through life supporting each other. Enrolling at Bethune Cookman in the fall of 1971, Joanne “entered to learn” and thrived as she matriculated at Bethune Cookman. She pledged the undergraduate chapter of Gamma Tau Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. (1972). Joanne graduated from Bethune Cookman in 1974 as she “departed to serve” her community.

Joanne made Miami her home. She resided in the Miami community for over 40 years. She was a professional who was committed to serving and supporting others. She was employed as a social worker for the State of Florida for seventeen years and as a paraprofessional for thirteen years with the Miami-Dade County Public School system. Joanne was a life member of the Bethune Cookman University National Alumni Association and the Bethune Cookman National Alumni Association, Miami-Dade Chapter.

Joanne is survived by her loving sister Barbara Marie George and brother-in-law Charles George, her longtime “helpers”, Ms. Phyllis and Mr. Clements, along with a host of close friends from Skyway Elementary School (K-8), Myrtle Grove K-8 & Primary Learning Center.

Soror Joanne will be memorialized on Monday, October 28, 2019 at 5:00p.m. at the Susie C. Holley Religious Center, located at 15845 N.W. 42nd Ave., Opa Locka, FL 33054 (Florida Memorial University). The Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony will begin at 6:00p.m., immediately following the memorial service.