Joanne Lu Holland

Our beautiful mother Joanne Lu Holland entered Heaven’s glory on April 12, 2023. She was born in Akron, Ohio on December 13, 1930 to the late Lawrence and Luie Durkee.

Her love for her family was surpassed only by her love for Jesus. She was active in the Church of the Nazarene and is famous for knowing the words to every hymn in the hymnal.

Joanne graduated from Eastern Nazarene College and received her master’s degree in education from the University of Akron. She retired from the Akron Public Schools in 1987 and enjoyed retirement in Clearwater Beach, Florida. While in Florida, she was involved with the homeschooling community where she helped hundreds of families with their homeschooling challenges. She returned to Ohio in her later years to be closer to family.

Her joys included her precious family time, reading, the Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Music Center, parades, cooking, all things royal, word challenges with family and friends, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and fun handbags.

Joanne is survived by her children, Darrell Holland (Dianne), Paul Holland (Lillian), Joanna Brown (David Suru); grandchildren, Michael Holland (Michelle), Timothy Holland (Candace), Emily Holland, Seth Brown (Lorena), Grant Holland, Olivia Holland (Ian Weissman); and ten great grandchildren.

We want to thank Cardinal Retirement Village for loving our mom. The staff and residents were very special to her.

A private burial has taken place. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with one hour of visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 North Miller Road, Akron, Ohio 44333.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd, Akron, OH  44333.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.