Joan Wellhouse Newton

Born on February 2, 1929, in Atlanta Georgia, Joannie lived a life defined by devotion to family, kindness and unbounded generosity. The only child of Louis and Rhoda Wellhouse, Joannie grew up in Tampa. Her father was the third generation of Wellhouses in the paper business, manufacturing the tissue paper that was used to wrap oranges, grapefruits, and apples. She was educated by the nuns at the Academy of Holy Names where her life of spirituality began and continued throughout her life. She attended Briarcliff Junior College. Then, through a roommate, she met Martin Stein, a senior at the University of Florida. His strength of character and good sense of humor appealed to her. He soon became the center of her life and they decided to get married. Papa Wellhouse strongly suggested that if Martin was going to marry his only daughter, he should quickly find a job to support her. Martin, with three months to go to graduation, dropped out of school and went searching for a job. They were married in 1950 and moved to Jacksonville. In a few years started a real estate business with only one secretary: building houses and apartment complexes and some land brokerage.

Even while Joannie was busy raising her 3 sons and involved in community endeavors, she still played a key role in the business. She had wonderful instincts about people and architectural design. Martin would use her as an intuitive and effective sounding board. Together they built Regency Square, the first major regional shopping center in Jacksonville. Almost 15 years after the opening, they doubled the size of the mall. Martin and Joannie used the mall’s expansion as a springboard to grow the company, eventually becoming one of the top real estate firms in Florida. In 1993 several years after Martin died, Joannie was Chairman when Regency Centers went public. Since its IPO it has become a highly regarded national shopping center company.

Throughout her life, Joannie provided leadership, guidance, and generosity to many civic and philanthropic organizations and projects. She served as chairman of the Jacksonville branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and on the board of the directors of Barnett Banks of Florida. She served on the President’s Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. She dedicated herself to a long list of charitable pursuits including: The Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens, The Jacksonville Symphony, The Women’s Giving Alliance, The University of North Florida, Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, The YMCA, The Late Bloomers Garden Club, Jacksonville Arts and Music School (JAMS), and the Episcopal Church’s Ministries. Her generosity knew no bounds.

Joannie had many talents, both hidden and public. She learned and taught Braille, studied the Bible in a very intellectual manner, was a master bridge player, read several newspapers daily, was a voracious reader of fiction and nonfiction, a wonderful cook, flower arranger, and fashionista. She privately helped many people and organizations with no expectation of remuneration.

Her most important devotion was to her family and friends. Her love for her sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and dear friends was unending.

In 2000, Joannie married Russell Newton. They had a wonderful 23-year marriage. They loved to travel, especially to London and Linville, North Carolina, where they shared homes. Together they were involved in many charities in Jacksonville, including elementary school education, Mayo Clinic, and Baptist Hospital.

Joannie is survived by her three sons, Martin “Hap” (Brooke), Rick (Rebecca), and Bobby (Polly). Her grandchildren, Ashley (Matt Wotiz), Kimberly (Ken Tonning), Kelly (Billy Kuntz), Ashley (Bo Flurry), Laurie (Collier McRae), Mary Martha (Lucas Waterworth), Richard Stein (Lauren), Blakely Stein and Ted Stein. She also leaves 19 great-grandchildren and 5 stepchildren: Helen (Raymund Hartung), Rusty Newton (Kathy), Matt Newton (Vicki), Julie (Marc St John) and Will Newton (Karla).

A special thanks go to her nurses, Rose Johnson, Isis Belton, Carl Jordan and Zlatan Pecar as well as Keith Knue, Theo Johnson, Jack Revels, Angeila Mills, Maria Vargas, Dr. Lynn Peterson, and Zane Shaw for their loving care. The family would also like to thank the Mayo Clinic- especially Dr. Gianrico Farrugia, Dr. Kent Theilen, and Dr. Arphita Ketty, and Dr. Mike Stephens for their outstanding service.

A Celebration of her remarkable life will be held on Monday, March 16th, 2:00 pm at St. John’s Cathedral 256 E Church Street Jacksonville, Florida 32202. For anyone who wished to honor Joannie’s remarkable life and legacy, the family suggests in lieu of flowers, a donation to St. John’s Cathedral to Feed the Hungry.

Though she lived 97 wonderful years, her family and friends will forever miss her presence. Her legacy of love, strength, and generosity will continue through the many lives she touched.