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Joe Ann Lever Obituary
She was a National Science Foundation Fellow and a member of the South Carolina Academy of Science and Southeastern Association of Biologists. Upon her retirement in 2002, Converse College awarded her a Doctor of Laws degree and a laboratory in Phifer Hall was named in her honor. Earlier two endowments were established in her name at Converse College. Commenting on Dean Lever's retirement, Bonnie Bailey Webster, a 1994 Converse biology alumna, said, "It has been said that a teacher can shape a student, and a student can shape the world.
In 2009, Joe Ann Shearer Lever became aware of and interested in the critically endangered Carolina Marsh Tacky Horse and worked tirelessly to help the vanishing breed of horse, native to South Carolina, become the official State Heritage Horse of the State of South Carolina. The Act declaring the Marsh Tacky the State Heritage Horse was signed by Governor Sanford on June 11, 2010.
The family will receive friends Saturday, November 26, 2011, from 3:00 -5:00 PM at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel.
Funeral services will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church on Sunday, November 27, 2011, at 2:00 PM with Pastor Steve Holler of Trinity United Methodist Church and Jason Loscuito, the Chaplain of Converse College, officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Joe Ann Shearer Lever Memorial Academic Fund at Converse College, 580 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 or to the endowment at Trinity United Methodist Church, 626 Norwood Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302.
An online guest register is available at www.floydmortuary.com
Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joe Ann Lever
Diane Mugford
December 11, 2023
So miss her humor and teaching Diane Richardson Goodloe Mugford Bennett
Sandra Watson
November 19, 2023
Remembering my professor and friend today. . I always contributed my success as an Environmental Manager for 29 years at Southern Wood Piedmont to Dr. Lever. She constantly reminded me that she only recommended me and had I not done the work, I would not have been there long. The humble, caring and giving Joe Ann Lever. I will never forget her. Sharing fond memories.
Sandra Beason Watson
Class of 1979
Converse College
Sandra Watson
November 19, 2020
I continue to cherish wonderful memories of my professor and friend. Joann was a remarkable person. Joann was a speaker at my church for a Family and Friends program. She spoke on friends and gave warm and loving comments concerning our friendship. I will never forget. I pause to remember and celebrate the legacy of Joann Lever today. ❤
Sandra Beason Watson
Class of 1979
Converse College
Rosemary Sullivan
December 1, 2011
Dr Jo Ann Lever was an inspiration to me. When I didn't try hard enough, she always had the right words to encourage me. She made me believe that as a science major, I had a genuine and unique contribution to make. She fired my love of science. Most of all, she inspired me to believe that I didn't have to become a doctor when my path changed, and that becoming a teacher was equally valuable. I have kept in touch with her, often by letter at Christmas in our busy lives. I am so saddened to know that such a bright flame is lost, but reading the guest book proves to me that she lit an awful lot of fires in our hearts. You will be sorely missed, Dr Lever. Thoughts and prayers to her family at such a sad time.
Rosemary Glaze Sullivan, '90
Lynda Navratil Garrett '86
November 30, 2011
Dr. Lever inspired all of the biology majors at Converse. I'm in my 23rd year of teaching biology and can only hope to inspire more young women to continue teaching in such an ever-changing discipline. Her garden in heaven is already ablaze with blooms, I am sure!!
Leslie Fowler Benson '93
November 29, 2011
Dean Lever was a most inspirational professor and woman in my life. She challenged her students to rise above their own expectations and let nothing hold them back. I also remember her quirky lab practicals with "a pig in a poke" and "what can you make out of a sow's ear?" She is a legend and will have an everlasting presence in the Converse community.
Susan Watson
November 28, 2011
I took comparative anatomy from Dean Lever, back in the '70's. While dissecting a "female" cat, my lab partner and I had trouble finding some required organs. Dr. Lever came to our rescue only to say "You girls are barking up the wrong tree. Boy cats aren't as obvious as a Wofford frat boy"( or something close to that). I remember her inviting the entire class over to her home for dinner. And her wicked smile. Ontology recapitulates Phylogeny!
Betty Hardaway
November 28, 2011
Mrs. Lever was a devoted biology teacher to those of us biology majors from the 70's. I treasure the foundation of knowledge in biology that she so passionately shared with me and others. She ignited my passion for the sciences and when I learn something new I always think of her and others. Her passion for teaching and biology was only surpassed by her interest in each student achieving her personal best and she encouraged us mightily. What a great humanitarian, scientist, and generous teacher. I am so grateful I was one of her fortunate students. Betty Hardaway '71
Ann Lorenz
November 27, 2011
Dean Lever was the most influential professor in my life. She encouraged me and all of her biology students to be the best they could be. She inspired us to go beyond what we thought we were capable of. I am an Occupational Therapist and have been in my career close to thirty years. I owe a great deal to her in helping me achieve my degree in biology and in OT. I am sure that I am only one of so very many who owe so very much to this wonderful lady. My heart and prayers go to you her family. Ann Marion Lorenz , Class 1980
Marsha Black
November 27, 2011
I knew Professor Lever as a biology student and as a TA of her general biology course back in the 1970's. Of course she was inspirational as a biology teacher, but more than that she inspired us to be the best we could possibly be in life -- to reach far beyond our comfort zones. She will be missed by all.
Marsha Black
Class of 1975
November 27, 2011
Joe Ann Lever was a wonderful supportive instructor who helped me (and so many others) attain their goals. What a difference her life made to so many people. Diane Richardson Mugford (class of 72)
Susie Cole Wean
November 26, 2011
I am so sorry that I can not be there in person to extend my condolences. As her family you know well how special she was. Thank you for sharing her with so many. She was tremendous role model for young women- tough but caring. It feel fortunate to have known her for over 40 years and been one of those Bio majors from the 70's. Please know your loss is felt by all those whose lives she touched. With heartfelt sympathy...
Sue Pierce Holland
November 26, 2011
Ms. Lever lives through those of us whom she taught. We carry the love of biology given to us by our mentor. Such good memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Dr. Jayne S. Reuben
November 26, 2011
To the family of Joe Ann Lever; please know that you are in our prayers during this time of loss. Joe Ann taught me to be bold and to be willing to take risks. I am so grateful that I was able to have dinner with her in October during my visit to Converse. She cared deeply for the students of Converse and her legacy of excellence and compassion will not be forgotten.
Sallie Legare York
November 25, 2011
Dean Leaver changed my life in so many positive ways as my college advisor and mentor. I was truly blessed to know this feisty, intelligent, caring woman who challenged me to be both a better student and a better person. Dean Leaver will be sorely missed!
Julia Bowman Martin
November 25, 2011
Dr. Lever encouraged me in my love of biology and medicine to become a speech language pathologist who had the privilege of treating many head and neck cancer patients. She was an amazing teacher and a wonderful person. When I think of Converse, Dr. Lever always comes to mind. Thank you for inspiring me to be the person I am.
Sandra Beason Watson
November 25, 2011
To the family of Joann - Joann taught me Biology in 1975. Since that time she has been more than just a professor. Joann was my dear friend. I credit Joann for helping me obtain my job that I had for 29 years. We talked often and I just received a beautiful letter from her in August. I have lost a dear friend and I can only imagine how you, the family must feel. I will take every memory and cherish them dearly. Please know you had a wonderful wife and mother. Do know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sandra Watson
Class of 1975
Alice Buchanan
November 25, 2011
Ms. Lever was my professor in 1977. I remember she told the story of a beautiful garden spider in her garden that was killed by a well-meaning mail carrier. She was so distressed. She taught me not to fear spiders, and how they were beneficial. She taught me much more, but I'll always remember that story. What a wonderful lady, and a child of Mississippi - another way we connected.
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