JoAnn Cleckner

JoAnn Patricia Cleckner, age 76, of Jefferson City, passed away, Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Jefferson City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
She was born on March 16, 1949, in Baltimore, Md., the daughter of Frank Toadvin Ford and Mildred Frances Holcomb. JoAnn married Thomas E. "Tom" Cleckner on August 16, 1997. JoAnn and Tom were happy and knew they were meant to be together. JoAnn and Tom had lived with each other for almost 20 years until his passing in December of 1997.
JoAnn was a 1967 graduate of Eastern High School in Maryland. She began work at Union Trust Bank in the 1970's and stayed there through the merger with Signet Bank in 1987. Joann left banking to manage the facilities department at Prometric until her retirement in 2007.
JoAnn had a deep love for creativity, which she expressed in countless thoughtful ways. She delighted in making handmade cards for every occasion-Christmas, Easter, birthdays, and beyond-each one a small work of art that showed how much she cared. Her creativity extended into many crafts, including scrapbooking, sewing and crocheting, often gifting beautifully made blankets and scarves to her family. JoAnn also found great joy in the kitchen. Her home was especially magical at Christmastime, filled with the sweet aroma of cookies baking in the oven. But her culinary talents didn't stop there-her famous fried chicken was a beloved staple at family beach trips, always packed with love. Never one to shy away from getting her hands a little messy, she enjoyed working with ceramics, adding another layer to her artistic spirit.
JoAnn loved the water. She cherished the time she spent sailing with Tom, whether on the calm waters of the Chesapeake Bay or the sparkling seas of the British Virgin Islands. Some of her happiest moments were spent on a sailboat, gazing out at the horizon, the wind in her hair and the sun on her face.
Above all else, JoAnn adored her family. She was the heart of every gathering-kind, graceful, supportive, and softly spoken. She had a warmth that drew people in, a sweetness that left a lasting impression. Whether she was playing board games or cards, she was always part of the fun, often with a bowl of ice cream in hand. JoAnn was a truly special woman, she is deeply loved and will be fondly remembered by all who had the joy of knowing her.
She is survived by her children, Monica Brand of Baltimore, Md., and Regina "Gina" Durr (Paul) of Jefferson City, Mo.; grandchildren, Brittney Vobornik (Stephan), Samantha Moyer (Shawn), Celeste Fankhauser (Hayden), and Sierra Durr; great-grandchildren, Kayleigh, Vara, Payton, Davanee, Shawn Jr., and Beckett; siblings, Deborah Westbrook, Brenda Maenner, and Arlene Keller; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
JoAnn is preceded in death by her loving husband, Thomas Cleckner; parents, Frank Ford and Mildren Holcomb; sister, Diane Reese; and her beloved boxer, Maxi Jo.
Friends and family will be received from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Friday, July 11, 2025, at Freeman Mortuary.
A celebration of life will begin 4:00 p.m., Friday, July 11, 2025, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Don Fankhauser officiating.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101. To send flowers to the family of JoAnn Cleckner, please visit our floral store.