South Carolina- JoAnne Dorothy Best, 87, of Greer, SC passed away Tuesday January 12, 2021
JoAnne and Burt grew up together in the small town of Cumberland Maine. She graduated valedictorian, but often laughed about it because there were only 12 students in her class.
She worked for the railroad, but then found her place as an executive assistant at IBM, retiring after 35 years. They owned a small general store in Naples, called The Songo Locks Store for about 10 years in the 70s.
Burt and JoAnne moved to New Smyrna Beach Florida in the mid-1980s. She volunteered as a victim's advocate for the police, often getting called out in the middle of the night to console scared children or other victims until the proper authorities could arrive. She also volunteered at the Halifax hospital there.
They loved taking cruises, traveling to many countries and meeting many new friends.
They moved to Greer in 2005 to be close to their youngest grandchildren and daughter. In Greer, they spent 5 days a week volunteering at a food pantry. They did Meals on Wheels runs and she also volunteered at the Greer hospital in the ER until dementia made it impossible for her to continue.
They were members of the Memorial United Methodist Church, and a part of the Young at Heart group.
She was a strong, compassionate woman and dearly loved by her family and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Edward and Dorothy Osgood and brothers Fred and Ted Osgood.
She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Burton Best and her 4 children, Jim Best, wife Yaant of Seattle WA, Kathy Best of Greer, Don Best, wife Suzanne from Norway, Maine, and Holly Diaz, husband Rosny of Greer. She is also survived by her sister Sandy Bowie of Yarmouth, Maine and many grandchildren and great-grands.
A memorial service will be held in the spring. Arrangements are under the care of Lindquist Funeral Home in Yarmouth.
In lieu of flowers Joanne’s family asks that you consider making a donation in her name to your local food bank.
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