Joan Henderson Hoppe

Joan Henderson Hoppe, a lifelong resident of Tampa, Florida, entered into eternal rest on March 1, 2026. She passed away peacefully after courageously facing a 17-year battle with Dementia. Born in Tampa to the late Thomas Nathan Henderson Jr and Elizabeth Carter Henderson, Joan remained deeply connected to her hometown roots throughout her life.

Joan attended Sophie Newcomb College at Tulane University where she was a proud member of Chi Omega Sorority. Her grace and presence were celebrated when she became the 44th Queen of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, a memory she always cherished. Joan served faithfully as an active member of St Monica’s Guild and Daughters of the King at St Andrew’s Episcopal Church.

Joan’s heart belonged to her family and her home. Additionally, she found great peace and joy tending to her flower garden. She was blessed with the company of many lifelong friends, and she shared a wonderful life with her husband, Jimmy. The couple loved revisiting their favorite spots, particularly New Orleans, the scenic mountains of North Carolina, and St. Simon’s Island which held a special place in their hearts as their honeymoon destination. Saturdays in the fall were reserved for the Gators, and Joan and Jimmy were die-hard University of Florida football fans who held season tickets for 48 years. Her enthusiasm extended to the sidelines of her own family’s lives, as she always made it a priority to attend her children’s and grandchildren’s sports games and special events.

Joan is survived by her brother, Thomas Nathan Henderson III (Anne), her three children, Lynda Hoppe, James Clarence Hoppe Jr (Karyn),and Melissa Hoppe McCarthy (Patrick). Her legacy of love continues through her six grandsons, Patrick (Julie), Matthew, and Thomas (Shanna) McCarthy, James III (Trey), Jackson and Wesley Hoppe, and two great-grandchildren, Davis Ann and James Patrick McCarthy.

The family wishes to thank her special caregivers over the years, including Ludys Nunez and Maria, Yesenia, Berta, Nary, and Alicia at Aguila Assisted Living. A special thanks goes to the many angels at Melech Hospice House who made Joan’s last two weeks peaceful, comfortable, and full of love.

There will be a private family service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Joan’s memory to Melech Hospice House, 11125 North 52nd Street, Temple Terrace, FL 33617