Joan Hawley (September 15th, 2017)

Joan Hawley, after some months of deteriorating health, died Friday morning, September 15th, with her sons at her side. She had lived the last two years at the Brethren Retirement Community and was five weeks away from her 93rd birthday. Her son Jeff died in 2010, and her husband, Dr. Daniel Hawley, died in 1973. She is the daughter of Erma Jefferis and Carl Mergler, and stepdaughter of Carmen Jefferis (all deceased).

Joan lived most of her life in Greenville, a town she loved and served in many ways. Her varied work path included the Yarn Dome, Greenville Public Schools, the Greenville City Building, and the Darke Co. Courthouse. In retirement she thoroughly enjoyed her association with the Garst Museum as well as being part of the leadership team for the GHS Alumni Association. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for 70 years, singing in the choir and serving as an Elder.

Despite times of sadness in her life, she found great joy within her family and from her many friendships. She delighted in family gatherings, particularly during Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, as well as numerous weddings. Family vacations were highlights—especially being on the water with her sons in various watercraft ranging from kayaks, canoes, and sailboats to water taxis and ski boats.

She is survived by her sons Tom (Laura), John (Robin), and Dave; her grandchildren Margaret (Jason) Morgan, Sarah (Taylor) Hawley, John (Tanika) Hawley, Bob (Laura) Hawley, Tiffany (Carter) Hawley, and Dan Hawley; and great-grandchildren Camillia Morgan, Acala Cresci, Liam and Maya Creighton, and Bailey, Sam, Johanna, Isabel, Jace, and Avrie Hawley; two sisters, Ann Patty and Frances Miller; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was especially fond of her daughters-in-law: Marcy, Jeannie, Linda, Lynne, Laura, and Robin. Joan also appreciated special friendships with Barb Hole and Gerri Strauss.

Joan died as she lived—peacefully and with measures of courage and resilience. She is missed by her family and friends.

Services will be held on Saturday September 30, 2017 at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church 114 East Fourth Street Greenville, Ohio with Rev. Dr. John Person officiating. Burial will follow in Greenville Cemetery, Greenville, Ohio. Family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday September 29, 2017 at Zechar Bailey funeral home.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Brethren Retirement Community or the First Presbyterian Church.

Condolences for the family may be expressed through www.zecharbailey.com