Obituary of Joann Estes Hoag Irby

Joann Estes Hoag Irby, age 91, peacefully passed away on Monday, November 13, 2023 at her summer home in Maggie Valley, NC. A native of Davenport, Florida, Joann was born on February 26, 1932 to William Hoag and Gladys Estes Hoag. 

Creating a happy home and raising her children was her life's biggest accomplishment. A proud member of United Methodist Church in Davenport, FL, Joann was pleased to live a long life to see the generations grow and thrive. She was a natural caregiver and was known to have the patience of Job when tending to children.

Joann is preceded in death by her parents; her dear husband, Milton Wade Irby, who died in 1991; sister, Barbara Starken; and niece, Joann Barnard. She is survived by her four beloved children; daughters, Marian (Johnny) Stevens of Hopkinsville, KY, and Barbara (Steve) Williams of Port Charlotte, FL; sons, Milton Irby of Lake Alfred, FL and Mark (Nicole) Irby of Winter Haven,FL; niece, Sandra Sampson; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm followed by a funeral service at 3:00 pm all at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City, FL. Burial will be on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 12:30 pm at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Haywood Hospice, 13 Haywood Park Ofiice, Suite 107, Waynesville, NC 28785 or Calvary Road Baptist Church, 2701 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751.