Joann Gabriella Jukes' Obituary
JoAnn Gabriella Jukes was born on January 20, 1951 to the late Sarah Bell Richbow and Cardice Sanders in Sumter, South Carolina. A country girl at heart, JoAnn was often found in the company of her great-grandparents on the family farm. She excelled in school, graduating from Ebenezer High School at age 16 and went on to procure her masters from Florida A & M University by the age of 21. As the second oldest of eleven children, JoAnn was described as being independent, strong-willed, and compassionate yet tough.
JoAnn loved literature, animals, gardening, music & travel. Her passion for helping others led her to join the peace corps after college, taking her to numerous countries and solidifying her wanderlust spirit. Upon returning to the states, JoAnn settled on starting a career at Northrop Grumman.
In the late 70’s, JoAnn was quietly courted by a secret admirer only identifiable by fresh cut roses with remnants of morning dew left on her desk every morning. This admirer was later revealed as Terry Jukes, good friend and co-worker. JoAnn soon found herself embarking on a new journey as a wife and shortly there after, a mother. Their careers took them to many countries as they began to build a foundation and grow their family to seven.
Despite seemingly trading in her frequent flyer card, over the coming decades, JoAnn would tackle new adventures with her family in tow. After traveling the United States, JoAnn eventually settled in Fairfax, Virginia to raise her family, years later retiring to Dallas, Texas. In Dallas, she embraced a new season in life as a grandmother. Some may say this was her favorite season.
To know JoAnn was truly to love her, although she had exited the corporate world, her charisma and welcoming aura attracted many new relationships. She developed friendships everywhere she went from the local garden center to the grocery store to her grandkids school carpool line. JoAnn was an ally to all with a soft spot for the underdog. Her quick wit and sharp tongue made her a formidable adversary to those who found themselves on the receiving end. (Her own children are not to be excluded.)
JoAnn has always been a fighter. From humble beginnings to unexpected tragedies to unimaginable successes she lived a full life. JoAnn has forever altered the lives of family and friends through her unwavering support and wisdom.She encouraged Terry’s goals and believed in his wildest dreams. She taught her daughters how to be strong yet tactful and her son how to be loving yet discerning. She instilled in her grandchildren unconditional love and the importance of family. Her departure is bittersweet as she suffered a long illness and was truly ready to rest, however her absence will forever be felt by those who love her. Although this is a tremendous loss, there is solace in knowing JoAnn is at peace and will be welcomed by her first child, Amanda, and sister, Gerona Sanders, who passed nearly a week ahead of her, as well as numerous family members who have gone before her.
She leaves behind her loving family; Terry (husband), three daughters: Kimberly, Joyce (Joseph Jaeger), Caitlin and one son: James (Myra, Marcus, and Mia); Aunt Louise Booker, five sisters: Sarah Sheppard (Eric), Sandra Robinson (Byron), Patricia Sanders, Jacqueline Sanders, Janice Sanders; three brothers: Jim Sanders, Michael Sanders, Ralph Sanders; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
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