Obituary for Joanne Thrasher Stern Haines City, FL – Joanne Thrasher Stern, 86, of Haines City, Florida, went to be with her heavenly father on October 15, 2018 at her residence. She was born on October 18, 1932 in Norfolk, Virginia to the late Thomas Thrasher and Mary Ellen Thrasher. She is preceded in death by her husband, Milford J. Stern, Jr., her sisters, Dora Yates, Mary Ellen Fitzmaurice, Lindy Thrasher, and Jean Toms and her son, Thomas T. Stern.
She is survived by her two sons: Milford J. Stern, III and wife, Jackie, of Roanoke, Virginia; Willian B. Stern and wife, Debbie, of Haines City, Florida and two grandchildren: Garrett Stern and wife, Liana, of Richmond, Virginia, and Brett Stern and wife, Sarah of Warrenton, Virginia. Joanne excelled at many things. She was a respected Educator, a recognized Realtor and an awarded Insurance Broker.
She was active Realtor at Keller Williams Realty of Winter Haven, Florida, until her final days. Joanne grew up in Norfolk County, Virginia (now City of Chesapeake) on, Greenbrier Farms, a large family owned nursery. There she developed a keen eye for nature and a relentless sense of adventure.
She attended Madison College (now James Madison University) in Harrisonburg, Virginia and attained a Bachelor’s degree in Education in three years with honors. While attending Madison, she also became very active in the Baptist Student Union. Later she attained a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Virginia and nearly completed her PhD.
Joanne taught many years in Norfolk County Schools system. As her hometown grew, she saw the opportunities in real estate and, early in that career, became one of the first female real estate brokers in the area at Gregory Realty in Norfolk. Curiosity led her to pursue a career as an insurance broker which led her to take several positons in Europe after Milford’s retirement.
After living in and traveling to many parts of Europe they moved to Florida where later in life she restarted her education career in Miami-Dade County Schools. As an avid swimmer, it was not surprising that she met the love of her life, Milford, at the Norfolk YMCA beach where he was a life guard. They were partners in many adventures as they traveled the world and lived in England, Germany and Spain after Milford’s retirement.
Joanne also enjoyed spending time with her grandsons, Garrett and Brett, and they shared many adventures together. Joanne was a devoted disciple of the Lord and a great student of the Bible. She never met a stranger and never missed an opportunity to share her relationship with Christ.
Visitation will be held at 2:00pm and funeral service at 3:00pm, on Sunday, October 21, 2018 at Landmark Baptist Church, 2020 E. Hinson Ave. Haines City, FL 33844. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in memory of Joanne Stern to be sent to the Landmark Baptist World Missions.
The church can receive flowers only on Saturday, 9:00am until 12:00pm or Sunday, 12:00pm until the 2:00pm prior to the service. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joanne Thrasher Stern please visit our Sympathy Store. Upcoming Events Visitation , OCT 21.
02:00 PM – 03:00 PM Landmark Baptist Church 2020 E. Hinson Avenue Haines City, FL, US, 33844 Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Joanne’s Visitation begins. Funeral Service , OCT 21. 03:00 PM Landmark Baptist Church 2020 E. Hinson Avenue Haines City, FL, US, 33844 Order Flowers for the Funeral Service Guaranteed delivery before Joanne’s Funeral Service begins.
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