Joanne Marie Brokaw

Jody was born on March 16, 1932, in Johnson City, New York, to the late Carl Sickler and the late Lillian Sickler (Tyce).Jody graduated Johnson City High School with the class of 1950. For many years, she enjoyed returning to the area for an annual picnic as a proud member of the “50 Year Club.”

Affectionately known as “The General” by both family and friends, Jody served her community with a big heart, a strong mind, and an attention to detail that was unmatched.

Prior to and while raising three busy boys in Apalachin, New York, she enjoyed a fulfilling career as an executive secretary at the Binghamton Savings Bank, “back in the dark ages” as she would say.

Jody was a devoted wife to her husband “Dick” for 52 years. Dick and Jody retired to Grove City, Florida in 1987, where they continued to serve the community together as members of various church and civic associations. Jody was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. She attended both Gulf Cove and Englewood United Methodist Churches while residing in Grove City. She taught Sunday School and exemplified the Holy Spirit to those around her; she especially enjoyed sharing Bible stories with children. She loved God and shared that love daily. Jody cared for many friends who needed assistance in the community, and she never met a stranger. Her family joked that if she got on an elevator on the first floor, by the time she got off she would have found a connection with at least one person on that elevator – she enjoyed a good chat, which always ended with her saying, “thanks for listening.”

Jody had a creative passion for crafting and baking, and she was a lifelong learner, often trying new recipes and seeking friendships with people around her (young and old) so that she could learn from them (and teach them too!). You were blessed if you got to taste her famous “Nibblers” or “Chicken and Biscuits.”

Jody was preceded in death by her husband Richard (“Dick”) Brokaw, Sister Jackie Burgess (Sickler), and Sister-in-Law Constance (“Connie”) Brokaw.

Jody is survived by her three sons, Richard E. Brokaw (Catherine), Robert S. Brokaw (Susan) and Randal L. Brokaw (Mary Ellen), also referred to frequently and loudly as a group - “Ricky, Robby, Randy!”

Jody had six grandchildren, Benjamin Brokaw, Robert Carl Brokaw, Nicole Worthing (Byron), Bethany Frost (TJ), Richard Brokaw, and Grace Brokaw, and four great grandchildren, Alexis Worthing, Emmy Worthing, Ellenor Frost and Cole Frost. Jody’s love for her family was evident to all who met her and were privileged to hear about (and see her many photos of) her grandchildren and great grandchildren, who will carry her love and devotion for them in their hearts, always.

Friends and family are invited to attend a viewing, which will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 1pm to 2pm at Kays-Ponger, Uselton and Lemon Bay Funeral Homes, 1935 Tamiami Trail, Venice Florida 34293. A memorial service will be held at 2pm at the same address. Burial will follow the service at Gulf Pines Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make a donation in Jody’s honor to Hope Hospice in Lee County Florida, via mail at Hope Development Department, 9470 Health Park Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908 or online: https://hopehospice.org/donate/