Joan D. Guthrie, 89, of Inverness, FL, died on Saturday, June 24, 2023, under the loving care of her family and hospice. Joan was born in September 1933, in Nashville, Tennessee, the daughter of Thomas and Lelia Davis. She moved to Bartow, Florida, with her parents and older brother when she was two years old and later lived in Lakeland, Florida, Pooler, Georgia, Lake City, Florida, moving to Homosassa Springs in 1979 and later to Inverness. She was married in Bartow, Florida in 1953 to Ray Guthrie, having recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Joan was the devoted and loving mother to three daughters, Suzanne Ward (John), Terrie Alderman (Mike), and Kim Blocker (Kenny) and grandmother to five grandchildren, Katie Smith (Will), Jessica Michel (Jeff), Amber Alderman, Kyle Blocker (Courtney), Cameron Blocker (Violet) and four great grandchildren, Caroline, Alex, Evan and Kali. She was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Lelia Davis, and her brother, Robert Davis.
Joan was completely devoted to her children and grandchildren, their beloved “MeMy.” They were the joy of her life, she was their #1 fan, attending concerts, recitals and sporting events. She and Ray enjoyed traveling with their grandchildren to the Bahamas, Florida Keys, taking their children and grandchildren on fun adventures, and making many family fishing trips over the years on their boat The Miss Kim II.
Joan was an avid gardener and enjoyed creating and maintaining beautiful flower gardens and landscaping. She was energetic and athletic throughout her life with daily gym work outs and having been on the tennis, track and swim teams during her school years. Joan loved bowling and was recognized for bowling a perfect game. She especially enjoyed cooking for her family at holidays and events, managing large-scale menus as the family grew over the years. She enjoyed playing the organ, reading, decorating her home, and was accomplished at sewing and embroidery having made bridesmaid’s dresses, formal wear, and other special creations for her children and grandchildren over many decades. Joan often sought out opportunities to share her love of laughter and loved pranks and practical jokes. Many cherished family memories were created as her sense of humor and mischievous nature drew her family close together, and this persisted even in her final days.
A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor at a later date. The Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory of Inverness is assisting the family with Cremation with Care Arrangements.
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