Bette Joanne Crosby

Bette "Joanne" Crosby, 86, of Umatilla, Florida, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Born in Leesburg, Florida, she was a lifelong resident of Lake County. 

Joanne had a deep love for animals, especially her beautiful Tennessee Walking Horse, Pandora. In her youth, she spent endless days enjoying the outdoors—riding horses, roller skating, boating, and water skiing. A 1958 graduate of Leesburg High School, she later attended Lake Technical College where she studied Nursery Operations. Her passion for plants led her to become a successful nursery owner.

In 1990, Joanne expanded her love for flowers by purchasing a florist shop, once again finding success as a business owner. She later worked alongside her daughter at Shananne Cain Florist in Umatilla, FL.

Joanne was a member of Main Street Baptist Church in Leesburg, FL.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Marlow; her brother, Sherman Kenton Adkins, Jr.; and her sister, Bobbie Jean Goodwin.

Joanne is survived by her loving daughter, Shananne Crosby Cain of Umatilla, FL; sisters, Glenda (Richard) Boliek of Fruitland Park, FL, and Sandi Welsh of Texas; grandchildren, Randi Harris, Jessica Cain, and Kyle Cain; great-grandchildren, Justin Harris, Jordan Harris, Rilynn Cain, and Colton Cain; her beloved feline companion, Tebow; and numerous extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

A gathering will be held at a later date.

There will be memorial account in her name at United southern bank.

An online guestbook is available at www.hardenpauli.com.Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis, Florida.