Joan Greaves Lee

Joan was born in New York City during the Great Depression, which shaped her understanding of what was truly valuable in life. At six, her father died and she was raised by her grandparents who taught her about resolve. They moved to Hollywood, Florida in the late 1940s, where Joan attended the University of Miami and worked for a state legislator until she met Decker, her lifelong love, at the Hollywood Beach Bandshell on Johnson Street.

After marrying in 1954, they spent the next 66 years together, raised three children, were proud grandparents to six grandchildren, and befriended many, many animal companions. With Decker by her side, about a decade into their marriage Joan survived a life-threatening illness. She was an extremely active member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church & School from the 1950s through its merger with Gloria Dei in the 2000s, with many congregants, pastors, and especially Joan herself believing she might actually have a direct line to The Almighty.

For 20 years, Joan taught kindergarten at St. Marks and served in various other roles, including vice-principal, where she helped children - and often their parents - make the most of starting life. She treasured her friendships with fellow teachers and colleagues. After Joan retired she was always happy to hear from former students when they would call or write to reminisce, express their gratitude, and tell her about their relationships, families, or careers.

In retirement, Joan and Decker would spend their time between Florida, the North Carolina mountains, and being with their children, grandchildren and friends. She enjoyed her houseplants, knick knacks, wine and sweets of all kinds (including Publix coffee cake); never missed an opportunity to shop a sale; was a sharp Uno player, word searcher and puzzle aficionado; and celebrated all holidays, especially Christmas and Easter (and surprisingly Halloween). During Decker's final years, Joan was a fierce advocate for not only his wellbeing but that of others in his situation.

When Decker passed away, Joan moved to Virginia to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Late in life she made cherished friendships and had fun making holiday crafts and participating in the dinners, church services, card games, socials, sing-alongs, special

events, and theatrical productions at the senior living complex where she resided. Joan served on both the independent living and assisted living resident councils where she continued to be a resolute advocate for others, and once said her calling was about people and what she could do for them.

Joan showed true grace during her last days, was fortunate to see or hear from those who loved her, and took her closing breaths with family nearby. Joan Greaves Lee is survived by her daughter Patia, husband Kevin, and grandsons Matthew and Nicholas Bowman; daughter Tracy, husband William, and grandchildren Noelle and Luke Sterner; and son George, wife Carol, and grandchildren Grant and Evelyn Lee. She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Decker Lee; her parents, Jerry Cihelka and Lillian Greaves Yeilding; and her most beloved grandparents Nathaniel and Anna Greaves.

The graveside service will be at 10am on September 14, 2026, officiated by Pastor Jeffrey Wilhelm, former friend from St. Mark’s, and Joan’s friend Bruce Caruso from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church at Hollywood Memorial Gardens North. Funeral arrangements are made by Fred Hunter’s. Joan requested no dark colors at her service, only bright, happy colors to reflect the life she lived. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be given to Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Soldiers or Veterans of the Cross. The family wishes to thank the hospice staff of Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Virginia for caring for Joan during the final weeks of her life.