Joann Irby Kemp

1930 - 2016

Joann Irby Kemp

Immokalee, FL

Joann Irby Kemp, age 86, a longtime resident of Immokalee, Florida has peacefully gone home to be with the Lord, her loving husband, and Granddaughter Mende on Saturday the 31st of December 2016 at her home in Immokalee.

Joann was born on November 26th 1930 in Dorina, Missouri to Bill and Ruby Irby. At a young age, she met the love of her life James Edward Kemp. They decided to get married in 1946. Together they raised six children, Brenda, Linda, Kenny, Glenda, Debbie & Karen. They day worked picking cotton, then ventured out and owned their own business, Kemps Auto. They then decided to migrate to Traverse City, Michigan where they picked berries. In the 1950's they migrated to Immokalee working the packing houses. In 1965 they decided to permanently move to Immokalee and call it home to raise their family. Upon coming to Immokalee, the two worked jobs at Roy Millers Packing House and then had a box truck contract with Tony's Pepper House. Kemps Trailer park shortly began after, to house migrant workers and their families while working. Together they worked for Johnson Farms running the lunch wagon. As if that wasn't enough to keep them busy, they were onto their next adventure, Kemps Variety store, partnered with their son Kenny. Kemps Plaza was another business they began which still stands.

Joann was loving, caring, dedicated and hardworking. Anyone who came for a visit knew to find her in her yard or rental properties. She was very passionate about her yard all the way down to her running grass! She could root a plant better than anyone from a little stem. She loved the Young at Heart church group she was a member of and the many outings they attended. Her love for the Lord was amazing and the power of prayer, she believed whole heartedly.

Joann was a devoted and loving Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, & Great-Great Grandmother. She was very proud of her family and their accomplishments and would tell anyone who would sit down and listen. She loved the holidays, birthdays, and any chance she had to spend time with her family. Family meant everything to her. She is survived by her 6 children, 13 grandchildren, 28 Great Grandchildren, & 4 Great-Great Granddaughters. She will forever be in our hearts and the memories will last a lifetime. She was known for her loving heart, contagious smile, & lending hands.

Family and friends will gather at First Baptist Church of Immokalee (1411 Lake Trafford Rd. Immokalee, FL 34142) for the viewing on Thursday, January 5th 2017, from 5pm-6pm for family to have a moment with her and from 6pm – 9pm for friends. The Funeral Service will also be at the church on Friday, January 6th 2017 at 11 AM. Followed by the grave side service at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park (12777 FL-82, Fort Myers, FL 33913).