Joan Hoffmann Horning, dearly loved by her family and friends, died peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease at the Davis Community. She was 85.
Joan was born in Detroit on Oct. 20, 1929. Over the course of her life, she lived in Dallas, Texas, Louisville, Kentucky, Hartford, Connecticut, Sydney, Australia, Southport, Connecticut, Spring Island, South Carolina, and last, Wilmington.
Joan was always anxious to see the world and following a successful career as a fashion model, she joined American Airlines as a flight attendant. Her favorite route took her from Dallas via Louisville, Kentucky to New York City and the lights of Broadway. On one of these flights in 1958, Joan met Robert Horning, who at the time resided in Louisville while he worked for General Electric.
They were married within a year. Life took Joan and Bob on multiple trips through their early years of marriage traveling around the world with their two daughters.
Even though Joan chose her primary responsibility as wife and mother, she always found time to be involved in her community. Of all of her achievements, she was most proud of her contributions to the University of South Carolina Beaufort, where she created a theater for the arts.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Robert Horning; daughters, Avery Wilmeth and Kate Spencer; grandchildren, J.R. Spencer and Emma Spencer; sons-in-law, Mark Spencer and Dixie Wilmeth; sister-in-law, Shirley Horning; and many nieces and nephews, including K. Lynn Yelvington.
The youngest of four, she was preceded in death by her loving siblings: brother, Jack Hoffmann and sisters, Delora Hoffmann and Darlynn Johnson.
Joan spent her final days being cared for by the staff of the Lightkeeper’s House at the Davis Community, who gave her the support and love that every family hopes for. Our family is grateful for all the kindnesses and comfort given to Joan throughout her stay.
A private family ceremony will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, followed by a visitation at 5 p.m. at the Country Club of Landfall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Davis Community, 1011 Porters Neck Road, Wilmington, NC 28411, in her memory.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Andrews Mortuary.
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