JoAnn Koontz

JoAnn Gober Koontz, 93, of Havelock, passed away August 1, 2023, at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Donald “Donnie” Lee Koontz, Jr. and Connie LaFrenz Koontz, of New Bern.

She was preceded in death by her husband, of 51 years, Donald Lee Koontz, Sr.: her in-laws Claude and Eloise Koontz; her parents Houston and Virginia Gober; her sister Shirley Pearson and brother-in-law, James “Buddy” Pearson.

Left to cherish her memory is her beloved son, Donnie, his wife, Connie, who was "the daughter she never had"; her grandchildren, who were the light of her life, Daniel Koontz and his wife Tamara, Catherine (Koontz) Almeyda and her husband Gustavo; and her great-grandson, Raylan Koontz. She is also survived by her best friend, Frances Diffee of Havelock; 6 nieces from various cities in Florida; and her wonderful Caretaker, Dee Fulcher.

JoAnn was the epitome of a Southern Lady and all that implies. She was born in Portsmouth, VA where she was raised until she was 11, at which time her family moved to the Naval Air Station in Mayport, FL where her father was a Quarterman. A few years later her father heard about “this great opportunity” at MCAS Cherry Point, NC and he packed up his family, moved to New Bern, and was one of the first employees at what is now known as FRC-East.

At a young age, she met the love of her life, Don Koontz, who professed his love at 14, telling her “I’m going to marry you one day”. Always true to his word, on June 30, 1951, JoAnn and Don were married at the tender ages of 21 and 19, respectively. The following week Don was shipped off to fight in the Korean conflict. He was gone for 2 years and during that time JoAnn lived with Don’s parents and started her career with First Citizens Bank. Nine months after Don’s return, their only child, Donald L. Koontz, Jr. was born. To date, he’ll tell you that he had the best parents for which he could ever ask.

JoAnn continued to work hard, was very meticulous in all things, and management saw her potential. Over her 40-year career with First Citizens Bank, she worked her way up the corporate ladder and ended up retiring as a Branch Manager. Her “Why”, for retiring, was because Don was “having all the fun” caring for their only grandchild, Daniel. Seven years later they were blessed with a granddaughter, Catherine, and their lives were complete. In the end, her life goals of being at her only grandchildren’s weddings, and meeting her only great-grandchild, were achieved. She lived a great life.

JoAnn, “MeMe” to the grandchildren, was a 70-year member of First Baptist Church of Havelock where she sang soprano in the choir, and in numerous cantatas, throughout her tenure. She had the voice of an angel and her family and friends, enjoyed watching and listening to her hit those high notes while tapping her foot, and nodding her head to the beat. She was also a long-standing member of the Eastern Star.

While her family is heartbroken at the loss of this amazing woman it was more heartbreaking to see her declining health. We rejoice in knowing that she is with Jesus, is no longer in pain, and that we will one day see her again. We would like to thank all of her Physicians/Nurses/Aids, of CCHC, CV&V, Carolina East Medical Center, and 3HC who took excellent care of her and were so supportive of our family.

The family will receive friends and family at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 5th, at Munden Funeral Home & Crematory, 2112 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC, with the funeral service following at 3:00 p.m. For those who would like to attend the interment burial will be at Gethsemane Memorial Park immediately after the funeral service.  (See the link below for the Service Bulletin.)

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to 3HC Home Health & Hospice Care, 150 Techcon Way, Pollocksville, NC 28573.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Cremations in Havelock, NC.