Loretta Joanne Copps Phelps, 76, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 3:55 a.m. at Community Hospice at St. Vincent’s Hospital. She was known as Joanne to all, but as Kitty to those who were closest to her. Born May 18, 1941 in Jacksonville, FL to Joseph Gleason and Zada Nelson Copps, Joanne was a member of a loving and close-knit family. She graduated from Landon High School in 1959. She married and had 3 children, then later reared them as a single parent, along with her own parents at their family farm in Hilliard, Florida. Joanne graduated from Waycross-Ware Technical School as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1975. Joanne’s calling was caring for others and she gave that gift to patients at several hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes in the area. She was known for her caring nature, pressed uniforms, polished shoes, and work ethic. After retirement, Joanne moved in with her daughter and her daughter’s family when her health concerns became too great to manage. Joanne was a former member of First Baptist Church in Hilliard and later joined the First Baptist Church in Jacksonville.
Kitty was predeceased by her parents and brother Jim. She is survived by her children, Penny (Wilson), Joe (Kim), and Laura (John); 4 grandchildren, Dane, Annie, Emily, and Matthew; and 3 great-grandchildren, Nathan, Brenton, and Joely. She is also survived by her brother, Gary (Cheryl); nieces, Christie (Billy and their children Gunner and Scout), Amy (daughter Briley), and Catherine (Michael and their children Jon and Jane); as well as numerous relatives and friends.
A visitation will be held Thursday, January 25th from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel. A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 26 at 11:00 a.m. at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Cemetery with Dr. John Sullivan, officiating. Donations can be made to Community Hospice in lieu of flowers.
Please Sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com. HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family.
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