Jo-an Marr Carroll's Obituary
Jo-an Marr Carroll
November 3, 1930 - November 26, 2023
Burial of cremains and celebration of life took place in March 2024.
Jo-an will be remembered as creative and considerate; dedicated and determined; faithful and fearless; independent and industrious; loyal and loving. She gave herself whole-heartedly to her many roles: child of God; daughter; sister; friend; wife; mother; mother-in-law; grandmother; great-grandmother; and an incredibly strong woman. She loved Christmas, and animals - especially cats, and enjoyed baking and cooking, gardening, dancing, traveling, crafting, family reunions, reading, and working.
Born in Deland, FL, and living most of her years in St. Petersburg, FL, Jo-an was not only treasured by her large family, she was also a vital member of her community. Fondly nicknamed “energizer bunny,” and following the sacred example of her parents, Jo-an walked with God, and lived her faith working tirelessly for her church, volunteering in senior centers, and assisting friends and neighbors in many capacities, all while working full time and maintaining a high level of devotion to her family.
Predeceased by her parents, Roy French Marr and Gladys Olive Marr; her brother, Thomas Francis Marr (Vivian), and her infant son, Jeffrey Lee Carroll, Jo-an was the loving wife of police officer William Benton Carroll, Sr., and became a very young widow when he died of leukemia in 1971. Her sons, Randall Roy Carroll (Renee), and Bill, Jr. (Joann), witnessed her great faith then, and throughout the years as life challenged her in many ways. Diagnosed with cancer in her mid 70s, her prognosis dim, Jo-an simply told her doctor, “Give me the medication so I can get better.” And she did! She led her family through that experience with her transparent, unwavering reliance on God, which was especially comforting for her son, Bill, who was daily by her side.
Her sisters, Charlotte Ford (Jack) and Susan Marr, and Judy Cottone, have been wonderful examples to her entire family in their love and care of Jo-an, even and especially as dementia impacted the last several years of her life. No matter what she forgot, Jo-an remembered we loved her and she loved us. And that is enough. Her lifelong practice of completely trusting God with her life brought peace to her and her family.
Her nieces and nephews, cousins, great nieces and nephews, and many friends are all blessed by Jo-an’s legacy of love in their lives.
Her grandson, James Carroll (Kara), will make sure Jo-an’s great granddaughters, Juniper and Magnolia, know the lessons of love and character GiGi taught him.
Her granddaughter, Veronica Matthews (Mark), especially close to her Grandma and so like her, will carry Jo-an’s memory and inspiration in her heart always.
What’s your fondest memory of Jo-an?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jo-an?
Share a story where Jo-an's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jo-an you’ll never forget.
How did Jo-an make you smile?
