Obituary of JoAnna E. Taylor

JoAnna E. Taylor, 90, of Davenport, FL passed away on March 29, 2023 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 2, 1933 in Louisiana, Missouri to Harold and Almira Leinweber Menke. JoAnna moved to Davenport in 1999 from Beaufort, SC. JoAnna worked as a paraprofessional for various school districts for over 50 years, retiring in 2020. She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Kissimmee, FL.  

JoAnna enjoyed the challenge of crossword puzzles, shopping, and collecting antiques. She traveled internationally to many countries and visited all 50 states. Her favorite place to visit was the beach, where she enjoyed all elements of coastal life, but was most passionate about turtles. Before her husband’s passing she took part in a conservation effort to save sea turtles on the coast of South Carolina, where they lived. JoAnna had a talent for entertaining, she often cooked and hosted those she loved. While her love was often shown through her cooking, she also often showcased it in her creations while crafting, notably making little houses from all around the world at her school so that children could see the way other countries lived. However, her creativity did not stop there, she was an avid decorator and scrapbooker. JoAnna enjoyed watching TV shows found on channels like HGTV, Food Network, Hallmark and the Shop LC. JoAnna was also deeply religious which was evident in her readings and in her day to day life. She was also a true animal lover, and her love for animals had no boundaries, especially for her cats, Mishka and Peanut. In her younger years, she loved fishing and camping. JoAnna was a fashionista and fondly known as a classy woman, who loved jewelry and clothing. She will be truly missed by all who knew her. 

JoAnna is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard Lee Taylor; and her son, Richard Lee Taylor Jr. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her son, Greg Taylor and wife, Pat of Zion, IL; daughters, Tara Wright of Davenport, FL; and Angela Hughes and husband, Bill of Davenport, FL; brother, Carroll Henry Menke and wife, Wyvetta of Jupiter, FL; grandchildren, Michelle, Jenny, Natasha, Joni, Danielle and Ashley; great grandchildren, Devin, Mason, Callista, Elizabeth, Olivia, Tatiana and Aubrey. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 11:00 am. The family will be receiving family and friends at 10:00 am all at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City.