Joann Heather Black

Obituary:

Joann Heather Black, age 89, of Lauderdale Lakes, FL and Brevard, NC, passed away on February 26, 2024. Joann, a loving wife of 66 years, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, was known for her caring and kind nature.

Joann grew up in Perry County PA. She attended a one room schoolhouse in Loysville and Blaine Union High School. She would then graduate from the Harrisburg Hospital School of Nursing Class of 1955.

Joann was a gracious hostess who enjoyed entertaining friends and family. She was involved with many organizations and charities connected to her role as a navy wife which she proudly served as for 23 1/2 years. She loved music and played several instruments clarinet, cello, mountain dulcimer, and piano, which she especially enjoyed playing for her family.

She enjoyed traveling the world and participating in various clubs: President of Fort Worth Osteopathic Wives Club and Chairperson of the Winterfest Ball for the Osteopathic Hospital; Member of the Navy Officers Wives Club; and a Girl Scout Leader. She was also very active in all her children's activities.

In her career, Joann worked as a Registered Nurse in several states and taught conversational English to children and adults in Japan. Beyond her professional roles she volunteered as a hospice nurse, a school nurse, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society for many years and the American Red Cross, where she was recognized for 25 years of service.

Joann was a member of The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Brevard, NC, and Christ Lutheran Church in Fort Lauderdale, FL, as well as in other locations where her husband served in the Navy. She enjoyed playing handbells in church.

Joann is survived by her husband of 66 years, Dr. James Black Rear Admiral Retired, and their children: Jeanine Robba (Mark), Heidi Sheppeck (Jim), James Black Jr. (Marcella Jones), and Jennifer Daigle (Marty). She is survived by their grandchildren: Matthew Robba, Catherine Robba, Loren Todd (Alex), Zackary Daigle, Hannah Bentley (Aaron), and Cole Sheppeck and great-grandchildren: Heather Rose Todd, Emory Todd, Willow Todd, and Jameson Todd. She is survived by her brother Donald Baltosser (Barb), nephew Michael Baltosser (Jodi) and great nephew Mitchell Baltosser. She is also survived by her dearest friend of many years Joann Fyler, whom she spoke with daily. Joann was preceded in death by her parents, Donald E. Baltosser and Winifred Baughman Baltosser.

A service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Saturday March 23, 2024 at 10:00 am; and at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Brevard, North Carolina on Saturday June 15, 2024 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Cancer Society or Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society in Joann's memory.