Joanne Ellen Waldron

Joanne Ellen Waldron née Kovar, 72, of Athens GA died on November 25, 2023, the daughter of the late Joseph and Helen Kovar.

A native Floridian from Gulfport, Joanne moved to Athens in the summer of 2005 and worked at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. She was previously an educator - focused on children with special needs – but being a mom was always her priority.

Joanne was preceded in death by her brother Michael Kovar of Gulfport, Florida.  She is survived by her loving husband Donald, their three adult sons Jeramiah, Eric, and Ben, daughter-in-law Sarah, son-in-law Leslie, and four grandchildren.

She inherited hundreds of orchids from her father and their care became one of her greatest passions - if you were a public school educator in the 90s, you likely received an orchid from the Waldron boys. Her family spent summers and Thanksgiving holidays camping with their extended family in state and national parks throughout the southeast. Her faith extended beyond her Catholic upbringing to the mantra that ‘All God’s Creatures Have a Place in the Choir.’ She led and lived with love.

Joanne loved a bargain, pulling weeds, had an eclectic taste in music from doowop to polka, and spent many falls foraging for pecans on the UGA campus. Her personality was dynamic, and her taste was simple.

Joanne lived with ALS, a diagnosis she met with bravery but wasn’t defeated by. She was an example of dignity and grace.

She will be interred at Honey Creek Woodlands on the grounds of Monastery of The Holy Spirit on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 1:00 PM with Father Brian McNavish officiating.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the ALS United of Georgia can be made in her memory at https://alsgeorgia.org/.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville is entrusted with arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.