Norma Jennings
Donor Family or Friend
Our sister Joan, who we affectionately called Joanie was the third of seven children and the oldest girl. She was a little firecracker from the beginning; about 5 feet 2 inches tall who played basketball and ran track. As you see from the pictures, she loved to dress up and do her hip-hop exercise classes. She was mom’s favorite; she was always there for people and would drop everything to help family and friends. After working a few years after high school, wanting to serve her country, Joanie joined the United States Army where she served for over thirty years, retiring with the rank of Sergeant First Class. While serving in the Army, Joanie was stationed in Hawaii, Germany, Korea, Texas, California, and her last station was in Virginia. After retiring Joanie continued to give back working to house homeless veterans with Operation Renewed Hope Foundation.
Unfortunately, in February 2024 Joanie suffered a brain aneurysm and did not survive, a giver to the end she was an organ donor and was able to save three lives by donating her kidneys and liver as well as donating her tissue. One of the recipient’s reached out to our family to let us know she is now off kidney dialysis and grateful she can play with and see her grandchildren grow. Our family, as well as Joanie’s partner of over thirty years, Johnny, are still devastated by her loss. She was the oldest surviving sibling who took care of everyone and made sure we all stayed connected. Although Joan did not have any children, she doted on her nieces and nephews who love and miss her. We honor Joan every day and every year at the Ceremony of Remembrance, the Fun Run, and to let people know the importance of being an organ donor. Joanie will never be forgotten and is missed and loved by her surviving family and we will continue to keep her love, light, and memory alive
