Obituary of Joyce Joan Grimes

Joyce Joan Hogsten Grimes, 83, of Ocala, FL, passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2020. Joan was born in Cleveland, Ohio to James Albert and Effie Gertrude (Mackey) Hogsten. However, she grew up in Miami Beach where her father worked as an engineer. Her childhood in South Florida instilled in her a deep love for Florida which lasted for her lifetime.

 

Joan developed Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 13 and was one of the first people to use insulin. She was a pioneer of sorts as she was incredibly astute in taking care of herself and had no significant health issues until close to her death. She almost wrote a book on her 70 year experience with her own diabetes care but hesitated because “she was not confident people could follow her directions adequately.”

 

Joan’s life was distinguished by her love for her children and grandchildren. Every decision she made in her life was for their welfare whom she guided with extraordinary wisdom and dedication. They simply would not be who they are without her tireless counsel and direction. Her genuine fondness extended to nieces, nephews, and friends of her children, who regarded her with deep appreciation and affection.

 

Joan had three marriages which produced two surviving children and many stepchildren and grandchildren. She first married Dr. Menelaos “Mickey” Demos, Sr., and they had three children, Stephanie Demos, deceased in infancy, Dr. Gianna “Gigi” Demos Madrid, and Menelaos “Mickey” Demos, Jr. Joan was next married to Robert George Black, Sr. (“Mr. B” to the children), and is survived by her stepchildren, Robert George Black, Jr. (Margaret), Christine Black Nickell and Paula Black Hyder. Joan next married Thomas Edward Grimes who she stayed with until his death, and is survived by his children, Kathrine Ann Cole (Christopher), Elizabeth Lynn Grimes, and Julie Lynn Harris.

 

Joan is also survived by Gigi’s sons, Matthew Alexander Madrid and James Andrew Madrid.

 

Joan is also survived by many step grandchildren whom she loved knowing and cherished as her own. They are Robert George Black III, Elizabeth Smith Black, Amy Elizabeth Martin, Sara Ann Nickell, Kevin Simons, Caleb Harris, Zachary Harris, and Jackson Cole.

 

Joan graduated from Miami Jackson Sr. High School in 1954 and received an academic scholarship to The University of Miami where she attended for two years before her first marriage. At the University, she served on the Homecoming Court at the University’s request. During the Miami vs Alabama football game, Joan graciously served on Alabama’s Court (as they did not have one). This is where “Mickey Sr.” noticed her for the first time and vowed to marry her.

 

Joan was a diligent worker and worked as a Court Reporter for several years before being hired in 1980 as the Secretary to the Risk Management Director at Mercy Hospital in Miami. She was promoted to Administrative Secretary to the COO and CNO after just a few years. Her colleagues described her as “well respected, admired, principled, and always a lady. She retired after enjoying 20 years of service to the hospital.

 

Joan had endless hobbies and interests: competing in beauty pageants (crowned in high school as Queen of Moore Park), watching football, sewing, exercise, reading, and genealogy. She authored a children’s book titled, “Lola on Hilola” based on her pug, Lola, which brought mirth to many children. She was an accomplished life-long Bridge player, and she loved to laugh. An avid dog lover, she had many throughout her life: Citation, Skilo, Suzette, Henry, Bub, Max, and Lola.

 

A memorial service for Joan will be held on Saturday, October 31st at 11 am. All are invited to attend via Zoom as stated as follows:

Lake Forest Church is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Grimes Funeral

Time: Oct 31, 2020 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87648434031

Meeting ID: 876 4843 4031

Passcode: 844605

 

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Joan can be made to The American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org/diabetes/ donation), or to Compassionate Pug Rescue of Florida (Compassionatepugrescue.com). Pug Rescue has asked that if you donate, please mention Joan in your donation so they know the donation was in her honor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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