Joan L. Sheffer of Millington passed away Sunday, August 16, 2015 while at the Fishers Senior Care and Rehab Center in Mayville. Joan was 82. After 82 years of life and 65 years married to her beloved Bo (Claire), Joan’s work is finally done. The daughter of Donald and Josephine (Duff) Adams, we remembered her life as she would have wanted it with little fuss and much love. Her brief working girl career was a source of pride as she recounted her days assisting Dr. Gorne in his office. But her domain was her home and her kitchen was her office. She married her love for a lifetime Claire after being courted in his shiny 1950 yellow Bel Air. Their wedding dinner was elevated to celebrity status when the dashing airman and his beautiful bride were approached at the hotel by the Arizona Govrnor who had observed the wedding celebration. The governor offered champagne for the wedding party but there was a catch. First Bo had to take his bride to the dance floor for a wedding waltz! Well Bo and Jo danced that dance and the champagne was uncorked! Together they built a home on Murphy Lake that would serve them well and be a center for lake social activities and events. A favorite story was about power outage when the only gas range was at the Sheffer home and the neighbors gathered as Joan put on a pot of chili for all standing ankle deep in water. Here was the gathering space for the local teenagers as Jo’s kids grew up. These roundtables always included the wise ear of Joan, mother to the neighborhood..Pontoon rides on the lake were a lake staple. In later years, Joan enjoyed simply sitting with a toddy and Bo enjoying the lake and old western movies. She balanced well her years with her first born Nancy, a woman of considerable determination and independence, allowing sufficient freedom for her to grow. She took pride in her “Valedictorian” as she refereed to her shy first born. Next, blue-eyed wavy haired son Gary provided a more spirited challenge filled with many girlfriends and more than his share of cuts and gashes, dutifully patched up by his caring mother. Youngest Marcy showed up 7 weeks early and Jo’s parenting skills were soon put to the test as Marcy mothered four children, assisted by her mother. Grandchildren Jeanna, Michael, Brandon and Kailyn produced many a great story for the family dinner table. She loved animals and her home was often filled with a menagerie of pets including Dewey the dove, a pesky racoon and early dogs including Jacquette, Bear and Digger and most recently Ari, Jumbalaya and Misty. Two long time family friends Dave Atwood and Vincent (Angie) Angelini remained close until her death visiting her at Fisher Convalescent Center to rally her spirit in her closing years. Joan was predeceased by brothers Donald and Milton Adams. Bo’s daily visits were so noted that if he missed a day, the staff was immediately concerned for him and his health. Joan leaves her husband, her family and many friends. The Family would like to thank the dedicated staff of Fisher Convalescent Center for the wonderful work, kind words and moral support during five years she resided with them. In keeping with Joan’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no services. Hanlin Funeral Home has been assisting the family with final services. You’re welcome to express condolences, share a memory, or light a candle at hanlinfuneralhome.com.
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