JoAnn Bennett

JoAnn Bennett, age 84, passed away on May 29, 2025, in Ocala, Florida, following a 12-year journey with Alzheimer’s disease, which she met with unwavering grace and quiet strength.

She was born on April 26, 1941, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and was raised in Denton, Michigan. She was the beloved daughter of Cleo A. Shoemaker and Gilbert Jones. She married Gordon F. Bennett III on May 16, 1964, in Belleville, Michigan, and together they shared 61 years of life, family, and adventure.

JoAnn attended college for secretarial studies and dedicated much of her life to caring for her family as a homemaker. Over the years, she also held various roles including secretary, private caregiver, Weber sales associate and receptionist at a law firm.

She participated in a variety of community activities over the years, including involvement in the local garden club, bridge club, social gatherings, and neighborhood traditions such as holiday parades and seasonal festivals.

Her family, especially her children and grandchildren, were the center of her world. She held many roles in her life, but to her children, she was—and always will be—the best mom in the world. Affectionately known as “Baba,” she embraced every moment with her grandchildren—laughing, playing, and creating memories they’ll cherish forever. She had a passion for gardening and making things beautiful, especially at the family’s lakefront property, where her creativity brought color and joy each season.

She and her husband retired to Black River, Michigan, where they were long-time members of the Lost Lake Woods Club, enjoying over 30 years of friendship, golf, and social gatherings. They spent their winters in Ocala, Florida, where they have owned a condo in the Live Oak Village (LOV) for over 50 years. Together, they traveled extensively taking cruises, embarking on an RV adventure to Alaska, and exploring countless countries and states. JoAnn cherished life’s simple moments, from sunrises on Lake Huron to sunsets on the Pacific Ocean. She noticed life’s quiet details and embraced the beauty in ordinary moments.

She had a gift for making people feel special and deeply loved baking for her family, especially her signature apple pies, chocolate chip cookies, and ginger snaps. Creative at heart, she found joy in arts and crafts, especially ceramics and making her own personalized greeting cards. She loved attending church and found deep comfort and joy in singing the old hymns that had carried meaning throughout her life. Favorites such as How Great Thou Art and In the Garden—especially when sung by Elvis Presley—brought her peace and enduring inspiration.

JoAnn is survived by her husband, Gordon F. Bennett III of Black River, Michigan; her daughter, Jodi L. Conti and her husband Thomas, and their daughter Teagan, of Carlsbad, California; her son, Gordon F. Bennett IV and his wife Lisa, and their children Gordon V, Taylor and Madison of DeWitt, Michigan.

She was predeceased by her brother, John (Johnny) H. Jones, her parents and her beloved Aunts and Uncles.

A Michigan Celebration of Life service is being planned but the timing has not yet been determined. Details to follow.

Also, a service for JoAnn is being planned in Ocala, Florida. This service will be held in late January or early February to allow her snowbird friends to attend. Details to follow.

For those who wish to do so, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Alcona Historical Society Fund.