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Margo Good Anderson
Very fond of my memories of Joan. Oldest cousin and role model. She accomplished much in her life, she was most proud of her children and grands and greats. She will be missed.
Debby Blackburn Geisheimer
Many fond memories of our Cleveland family gatherings. Her smile and laugh lit up a room. Another special angel! ❤😇
Anita Lay
Dear Georgia, I am saddened to hear this. There is a special pain to losing a mother. And what a mother you had. I wish I had known her. She was clearly not only a very accomplished (not to mention beautiful) woman, but a woman of great empathy with a devotion to service. What a wonderful example she was to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Some people leave the world a better place than they found it. Joan sounds like someone who immeasurably enriched the lives of others. My deepest condolences on your loss.
Joan Austin Lybarger
2021-09-18
Joan Lybarger, 92, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2021 at Osprey Village on Amelia Island.
Joan was born on June 29, 1929 in Cleveland, Ohio. She grew up in Cleveland and attended Bowling Green State University.
Joan raised her family in Shaker Heights, Ohio where she had many dear friends. She was a fashion model and active with P.E.O. International.
In the late 1970's Joan and her husband, Stan Lybarger, purchased a home on Amelia Island after visiting there and falling in love with the island. They retired to Amelia Island in the early 1980's. They enjoyed many years of family and friends visiting them across all seasons.
Joan enjoyed playing bridge and was involved with the Plantation Ladies Association of Amelia Island where she served as President. Joan was a voice for those who were vulnerable.. She was a passionate animal lover and an advocate for children. When she arrived on the island she was deeply disturbed to learn about how animal control was handled here. She immediately decided to find volunteers to raise money and form a board in order to build an animal shelter. She was instrumental in creating what is today the Nassau Humane Society.
When she moved from her home to Osprey Village she was worried as she had a feeding station for feral cats on her deck. Cats Angels helped her transition the feeding station.
She became very involved with Habitat for Humanity. She "adopted "several families and made sure that they had the necessary food, toiletries and clothing to survive. She would especially look after the children taking them to the library, dental appointments and eye appointments. She would take the children to a movie and out to dinner on their birthdays. She would tell her daughter, “This is my church”.....she was a doer.
You could always find Joan at her favorite restaurant, The Marina, on Sunday for brunch.
Joan's family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to the staff at The Retreat at Osprey Village. They were amazing, loving caregivers to Joan in these past years.
Joan was predeceased by her husband, Dr. G. Stanton Lybarger, and her son, David Austin.
Joan is survived by her children, Georgia Murray (Paul) and Darrell Austin (Susan); seven grandchildren, Sara Stonehill Nuttall (Jeff), Nathaniel Stonehill, Morgan Austin, Clark Austin, Claire Austin, Jake Austin and Lilly Austin; and three great-granddaughters, Hayden Nuttall, Kathryn Nuttall and Leah Nuttall. Joan will be laid to rest in Cleveland beside her dear husband, Stan.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nassau Humane Society,
639 Airport Road, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.
There will be no local services at this time
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