Joanne Florence (Daugherty) Johnson

Joanne Florence (Daugherty) Johnson

Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Joanne Johnson, of Lakeland, passed into eternity, December 2, 2021. Born 1934 in Mendon, Michigan to Thelma Lola (Riker) and Ortha Orlo Daugherty. Graduated from Western State High School in 1952. Married Robert Lee Johnson in 1955 at Parchment United Methodist Church in Michigan.

She received her RN certification prior to moving to Florida and moved to Lakeland in 1974, working as a critical care nurse at Lakeland General Hospital for thirty years. She co-owned and ran the Dove’s Nest, which she opened in 1985, the first medically staffed extended care senior facility in Lakeland, also contributing to the original state regulations for assisted living facilities.

Joanne was a member of The Crystal Lake United Methodist Church for over 40 years. She loved camping and traveling with her husband in their RV. They traveled across the U.S., including Alaska, Canada and Mexico, often bringing their grandchildren with them.

She is survived by son, David R. Johnson and his wife Brenda, Travelers Rest, SC; daughter Jean Marie Whitehead, Lakeland, FL; daughter-in-law Lorrie Johnson, WA; brother Douglas Orlo Daugherty (Linda), MI; William Dale Daugherty (Brenda), FL.

Also survived by six grandchildren, Taryn Johnson, OR, Ryan Johnson (Rindy), WA, Robert Johnson, SC; Missy Hall (Billy), SC; Joshua Whitehead (Renee), FL; and Jennifer Bishop (Don), SC. Also survived by five great-grandchildren, Alexis Whitehead, FL; Bailey Whitehead FL; James Hall, SC; Brandon Hall, SC; Ethan Johnson, SC. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by sister, Jean Marie Daugherty (1936), husband Robert Lee Johnson (2004), son Richard Lee Johnson (1994), and son-in-law Dorlos Fred Whitehead, Jr (1985).

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2021, from 4-7 pm, at Lakeland Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 2125 Bartow Rd, Lakeland, FL 33801. A graveside service will be held on Friday, December 10, 2021, at 11 am, at Lakeland Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to; Crystal Lake United Methodist Church, 2001 Crystal Lake Drive N., Lakeland, FL 33801.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joanne Florence (Daugherty) Johnson, please visit our floral store.