Joanne Phillips Lott

1931 - 2024

Joanne Phillips Lott

July 7, 1931 - January 30, 2024

Gilbert, Arizona - With a life that spanned nearly a century, Joanne P. Lott (née Phillips) embarked on her final journey, leaving this world at the venerable age of 92 in Gilbert, Arizona. Born on July 7, 1931, in the quaint town of Marshall, Missouri, Joanne was the cherished daughter of Herbert Hunter Phillips and Jessie Oneta Phillips, who instilled in her a thirst for knowledge and a zest for living.

Joanne's formative years were spent in the vibrant city of Kansas City, where she met her future husband, Jack, their paths intertwining like threads of destiny. At the tender age of 16, Joanne's adventurous spirit led her to board a train alone, bound for the hallowed halls of Bryn Mawr College outside Philadelphia, a journey that would shape her into the remarkable woman she would become.

On June 7, 1952, Joanne and John E. "Jack" Lott embarked on a new adventure, exchanging vows and sealing a partnership that would endure for seven decades. Their early years together were a whirlwind of excitement, as Jack's service as a Navy pilot whisked them across the country, visiting ports of call across the U.S.

Eventually, they settled in Kansas City, where Joanne's passion for teaching and lifelong learning blossomed. She dedicated herself to imparting knowledge as a European History teacher and administrator at the esteemed Barstow school, leaving an indelible mark on countless young minds.

Jack's business career took the family on a cross-country odyssey, with stops in Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and finally, Pittsboro, North Carolina. It was in the latter that Joanne's love for botany and art truly flourished. At the North Carolina Botanical Garden, she immersed herself in various projects, forging lasting friendships and earning the affectionate moniker "Grandma Moses" of the Garden. At the ripe age of 78, Joanne's thirst for knowledge remained unquenched, and she proudly earned a Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration, becoming an accomplished artist and one of the oldest certificate recipients.

Joanne's tenacious spirit extended to her love of bargain hunting, amassing a veritable treasure trove of fine furniture, jewelry, and art collectibles over the years. She was the family's historian, meticulously researching genealogy and sharing stories of ancestors that traced back to the American Revolution, ensuring their legacy lived on.

Her indomitable sense of self and pearls of wisdom were graciously shared with her three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and anyone fortunate enough to cross her path. Joanne's absence will be deeply felt, but her memory will forever burn brightly in the hearts of those she touched.

Joanne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack, who passed away in November of 2022. A private tribute will be held for family members to celebrate her extraordinary life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jack's and Joanne's names to the Sarah P. Duke Memorial Garden, where their spirits will forever intertwine with the beauty they cherished.