Joan Marie (Johnson) Milnes

Joan Marie (Johnson) Milnes, 91, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2024, at Wesley Woods in New Albany, OH. Joan was born on June 26, 1933 to Joseph and Stella Johnson in New Castle, PA and lived most of her life there.

Joan was a beacon of warmth, kindness, and humor. She was cherished for her loving and patient nature, especially being raised as the only girl with four brothers and later being the only female in a household with her husband and two sons.

Joan graduated from Shenango High School in 1951 and earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from Slippery Rock State College. Her career included roles as an elementary school teacher and early intervention specialist, a dedicated homemaker, and later, as a florist, where she brought joy and beauty into the lives of others.

A lifelong member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Joan served her community with various church groups and as part of the Savannah Road Garden Club. She relished time with her family while camping, sailing, and picnicking, which reflected her love for nature and the outdoors. If she was indoors, she loved to try new recipes, crochet, play board games, and cheer on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State Nittany Lions.

Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, George Duane Milnes; her parents, Joseph and Stella Johnson; and her brother, Edwin Johnson.

She leaves her brothers, Leon, James, and Charles Johnson; her loving children, Leon Milnes (Ellen) and Todd Milnes (Rose); and her treasured grandchildren, Jacob Milnes, Maria Eaton (Jeremy), Jarrett Milnes, and Matthew Milnes.

Joan’s legacy of love, laughter, and service will be remembered by all who loved her. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on November 23rd at 1pm at The Villa, 2500 New Butler Rd, New Castle to celebrate her life. Interment of ashes will take place at Saints Philip and James Cemetery in Slippery Rock Township.

The family would like to thank the LEC Wesley Woods Hospice team for their compassionate care of Joan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to LEC Hearts for Hospice (www.lec.org/hearts-for-hospice).