Obituary of Joanne M. Hockensmith

Joanne Marsh Hockensmith, died Monday May 28, 2018 at St. Anthony’s Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Denver, Colorado July 18, 1928 to Joseph Elton Marsh and Elemyra Adeline White.  Her father moved his family from Nebraska to Pass-A-Grille in 1937 to build a home for a former governor of Nebraska.  She attended Sunshine Elementary School, Disston Jr High and St. Pete High School.  She graduated from the University of Kentucky where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority.  She made her debut at the St. Petersburg Debutante Ball at the Soreno Hotel in 1947. She met William Thomas (Bill) Hockensmith at the University of Kentucky and they were married in 1949. Joanne taught Home Economics and English at Meadowlawn Jr. High and Riviera Middle School for 23 years and retired in 1993. She enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, and being with her family and friends during her happy retirement life.

She is predeceased by her parents, Joe and Myra Marsh and sister, Margaret Marsh Newell.  Survivors include daughters Jana Saunders (Pat) and Lucy Parsons of St. Pete, sons Bill Hockensmith (Judy) of Orlando, John Hockensmith, St. Pete and Tom Hockensmith (Tia) of St. Pete Beach, grandchildren Rob Albury (Victoria), Orlando, Bradley Hockensmith, Lakeland, Mason and Maryn Hockensmith, St. Pete Beach, and three great-grandchildren, Hunter, Paolo and Porter. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Rowley of Dunnellon, FL and many wonderful nephews and nieces.

The family wants to thank her wonderful doctors, Dr. Lynn Matcha and Dr. Brett Almond for their trust and continuing care.  She thought highly of both of these remarkable people.

She was a member of Friendship Community Church.

A memorial gathering will be on Monday, June 4th from 10am with a service to begin at 11am, Anderson McQueen 2201 Dr. MLK Street St. Petersburg, FL 33704.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Friendship Community Church 4321 Duhme Road Madera Beach, FL 33708.