Joan Carol Andrew

Joan Carol Andrew January 11, 1944 - November 19, 2015 Joan Carol Andrew, known to many as Johnnie and a special few as Meme, was 71 when she left for a better life with Jesus on the 19th of November. She fought a valiant fight against lung cancer passing away at home with her family by her side. Joan was born on January 11, 1944 to Elzie James and Lilly Mae Hartley. She spent her entire life in St. Augustine. She loved the outdoors, her yard, birdwatching, cooking and sewing. She was blessed with the gift of hospitality. Her home was always open, warm and inviting. Even until the end her home was full of people, love and laughter. Joan’s life was characterized by service to her family, her church and the community as a whole. In their early years she worked alongside her husband in their family owned grocery store while volunteering at her church, her children’s school and several civic organizations. She was a master at organizing events and giving back. Most recently as an active member of the Garden Club and president of the Dianthus Garden Circle. She would work tirelessly each year on the Christmas Tour of Homes doing her part to assure it remained a first class experience for the community. The most important seeds Joan ever sowed were in the hearts of hundreds of children as she taught them about Jesus. For over 50 years she worked in children’s ministry. Serving in every capacity from Sunday School teacher to nursery coordinator. Eventually joining the staff at Anastasia Baptist Church where she retired as Children’s Ministry Director. Still desiring to serve, Joan worked part-time with the Council on the Aging and then at St. Johns Family Funeral Home. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Stanley Allison Andrew. Her two daughters and sons-in-law; Jeanie and Danny Carter and Cheri and Jerry Dedge all of St. Augustine. Three granddaughters and grandsons-in-law; Bailey and Robert Mullin, St. Augustine, Lindsey and Braden Arcaro, Marietta GA and Sydney and Christopher Natto of St. Augustine. Meme’s pride and joy, a great grandson, Rhett Andrew Natto. She is also survived by one sister, Darla Wehking Burchfield (Sonny) of Ashland Virginia, two very special nieces/sisters Cheryl Manucy and Andy Edgell, as well as generations of cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and four sisters; Edna Dilsaver, Jackie Governale, Helen Mikan and June Hartley. A visitation will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, November 23, 2015 at St. Johns Family Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at Anastasia Baptist Church, with the Rev Ron Moore and Dr. Walter West officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery immediately following the service. Flowers are gratefully accepted and donations may be made in Joan’s name to the Anastasia Baptist Church Children’s Ministry or to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257. The family would like to extend their thanks to everyone who called, visited, brought food and cared for Joan’s yard during her illness. A special thank you to all of the wonderful ladies from Community Hospice who took such good care of Joan, and also to Randy Hudgins and George Kotrady of St. Johns Family Funeral Home for their extraordinary kindness and generosity. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.