Joan Jernigan VOSS

VOSS, Joan Jernigan 1936-2017 Joan Jernigan Voss died peacefully in her home in Santa Rosa, CA after a short illness on April 1, 2017. She was born in Dunn, North Carolina on April 16, 1936 and grew up on a small cotton and tobacco farm. Joan enjoyed a solid professional career in health care, serving as the Administrator of London House Convalescent Hospital in Santa Rosa and as the owner and Administrator of Sebastopol Convalescent Hospital and also as consultant to a number of other facilities. She also participated in the development of the nursing program at Santa Rosa Junior College. Additionally, she operated the Silk Road Trading Company on Fourth Street in Santa Rosa from which she sold personally selected Asian antiques and furniture bought in China, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. Joan was a devoted and caring mother, wife, grandmother and friend. She married Darrell Henry Voss, a career military officer, in 1960. Their sons, Mark Henry and Derk Gustave were born in 1961 and 1963 respectively. Darrell predeceased Joan in 1995. Joan's personal interests were wide in range: she painted in oil, played mostly classical music on her piano, traveled the world with delight, read widely, and engaged willingly in political discussions. She could cook raj beef, bake a tarte tatin or a simple chicken pot pie.She fully enjoyed her life. She is survived by her partner, Robert F. Brown, a retired Professor of History, Sonoma State University, her son Mark and his wife, Jennifer, her son Derk, grandchildren William Henry and Jacquelyn Ann, nephew Johnny Jernigan and his wife, Connie of Dunn, NC and numerous other family members there. The family would like to express their gratitude to Arienne Dodrill and Memorial Hospice for their compassionate care and assistance during the final day's of Joan's life. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Joan's memory to Memorial Hospice, 439 College Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95401. Joan's memorial service is being planned.