JOANNE MEAD
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joanne Margaret Mead, beloved and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all whose lives she touched. Joanne was in her 80th year, having passed away December 13, 2022.
Joanne was born in Catskill, NY on December 26, 1942, the daughter of Herbert Dwight & Doris Mae Hitchcock. She grew up in Oneida, NY, and later attended Oswego State University where she earned her degree in Elementary Education/Industrial Arts. After graduation, Joanne taught first grade in Webster, NY. She met the love of her life, David Mead, in 1964 and they married on July 10, 1965, in Oneida, NY. Later they settled in Brockport, NY, where she continued teaching first grade.
Joanne and David lived happily in their first home for 34 years. She cared for her large family of four and also managed to teach part-time, positively impacting countless young children. She was active at church and demonstrated a faith in God that carried down to her children. Her children had many activities, and it was important to her that she never miss any of them.
Joanne and David retired and built their dream home on Lake Keowee, where countless memories over 22 years were made with family, friends and neighbors that will live on forever. She enjoyed regular gatherings with friends, poured herself into the community, and became a dedicated volunteer at Habitat for Humanity. She was passionate about Clemson football and enjoyed tailgating with family and just spending time in Clemson. She loved genealogy, scrapbooking and traveling, especially to visit family.
Joanne was modest and humble, always making contributions but never wanting attention for them. She was selfless, loyal, and generous, and made people feel at ease. She was a planner and well-organized, loved a good joke, and loved to laugh. She lived a full life, loved her family and friends, and instilled good values in her children and grandchildren that have served them well. Her legacy will be felt for generations, and she will be dearly missed, but forever in our hearts.
Joanne is survived by her husband of 58 years, David, as well as four children and eleven grandchildren: daughter Wendy (Bill) McDonald of Charlotte, NC, their daughter Jacqueline (Thomas) Fiedler and son Gregory; daughter Lori (Patrick) Stier of Charlotte, NC, their son Dalton and two daughters Daphne and Dahlia; daughter Jill (Lou) Casale of Stafford, VA, their two daughters Erin and Carissa, and son Niko; son Mark (Sara) Mead of Newnan, GA, their son Samuel and two daughters Madelyn and Anna. She also is survived by her brother Dwight (Marlene) Hitchcock.
Please join us to celebrate Joanne’s life Tuesday morning December 20, 2022, with visitation between 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Sandifer Funeral Home, 512 E Main St., Westminster, SC 29693.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Oconee County Habitat for Humanity (www.oconeehabitat.org) in Joanne’s name. A message of condolence may be written to the family by visiting www.sandiferfuneralhome.com.
SANDIFER FUNERAL HOME IS ASSISTING THE MEAD FAMILY.