Joan Hand Steverson

Viewed: 761

Posted by: Peel FH
Date: Jun 26 2024 5:42 PM

Joan Hand Steverson, 81, of Bonifay, Florida passed away on June 23, 2024. Joan was born in Wyandotte, Michigan on December 24, 1942, to Richard Sylvester Hand and Xcuripha French Hand. The family moved to Bonifay in 1950. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Willard Steverson and her brother Richard Sylvester Hand, Jr. She is survived by her children, Janet Hope Manuel (Tina) of Holt, FL, John Wesley “Jay” Manuel (Jana) of Lynn Haven, FL, James Bryson “Jimmy” Manuel (LeAnne) of Bonifay FL, Maria Manuel Wallace (Tim) of Auburn, AL, 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; Her bonus children, Cindy McKinnon of Dothan, AL, Brian Steverson (Cindy) of Gulf Breeze, FL, Sheryl Steverson of Dothan, AL , Sheila Camp (Joe) of Tuscaloosa, AL, Kevin Steverson (Stacey) of Danielsville, GA, Brent Steverson (Aimee) of Bonifay FL, Shelly Thornton (Jeremy) of Chipley, FLand Linda Darline Scroggins; Siblings, Carol Hope Rooney (Patrick) of Ft. Myers, FL, Nancy Hand Langford of Westville, FL, Peggy Ellen Hand (David) of Beverly Hills, FL, Randall Allen Hand (Connie) of Bonifay, FL, numerous bonus grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Joan graduated from Holmes County High School in 1960. Thereafter she married Johnny Manuel of Bonifay and began her family, having three children in five years. Maria, the youngest, came along eight years later. Joan had several careers as she raised her family. She worked as a bookkeeper at Tri-County Gas, Inc and later purchased and operated The Style Shoppe, a ladies boutique for 28 years. Finally, she worked as a Florida Realtor for 10 years before retiring. Joan was a dedicated member of the community in Bonifay where she was active in many organizations including the Bonifay Women’s Club, Chamber of Commerce, and Kiwanis Club. She served on the Chipola Workforce Board and as Red Cross Director for Holmes County. Additionally, she was a life-long member of the First United Methodist Church and enjoyed singing in the choir and decorating for the church for many years.

In 2009, Joan married Willard Steverson. She embraced her life as a coach’s wife and enjoyed spending her time supporting the HCHS Blue Devils in their athletic endeavors. Her greatest joy was spending time with (and in service of) her family, and the Steversons were a welcome addition. Even as her health and memory faded, she was absolutely certain to make sure everyone in her home was comfortable, fed and accommodated.

A celebration of her life will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Bonifay, FL on Friday, June 28th at 11:00 am.  Interment will follow at Bonifay Cemetery. Visitation will be the night before, Thursday June 27th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church.  Peel Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

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