Joanne Damon White

Joanne, age 90, went home to the Lord on October 27, 2025, in Zionsville, IN. She was born in Coalgood, KY, on November 24, 1934, to Rev. Joseph T. and Marian (Leddon) Edwards. Her childhood and youth were spent in New Jersey and Nashville, TN. She graduated from West End High School in Nashville in 1952 and earned her BA from Asbury College in Wilmore, KY, in 1957. She then accepted a teaching position in Adrian, MI, where she met Gary L. Damon, and they were married on August 9, 1958.

Gary and Joanne relocated to New Jersey, where Gary attended seminary, preparing for ministry in the United Methodist Church. In 1964, Gary was ordained and appointed to a church in Bay City, MI, while Joanne taught English and Home Economics in the Saginaw and Bay City schools. In 1974, the family moved to the Detroit area, and shortly thereafter Joanne changed careers, taking a position with the Detroit Conference of the United Methodist Church as Camp Office Administrator/Registrar for the conference’s camping program. She held this position for about 20 years and loved her job; she particularly enjoyed designing the camp brochure every year.

Gary served many churches in the Detroit Conference: Thoburn UMC, Bay City; Christ UMC, Bay City; Peace UMC, East Detroit; Metropolitan UMC, Detroit; First UMC, Howell; and First UMC, Garden City. Joanne was his biggest supporter and advocate, and was always active in the life of the congregations they served. She most loved singing in the choir and playing handbells.

Gary passed away in 1997, and Joanne retired, moving as she and Gary had planned, to Edgewater, FL. A few years later, she was blessed to meet another wonderful man, and on February 14, 2000, she married Robert L. White. After Gary’s loss, her family was pleased that she found new purpose in life. Joanne and Bob were very involved in their church and neighborhood. Together, they cared for Joanne’s parents until their deaths. They also discovered Royal Caribbean cruises and, with their friends, frequently set sail to many ports of call.

In 2014, Joanne was once again widowed, and in 2016 she decided to sell the house and move closer to family. She moved to Indiana and took up residence in a senior community, where she adjusted easily, made friends, appreciated having family nearby, and having dinner prepared for her every day. Over time, it became apparent that Joanne’s memory was slipping and she could no longer live independently. In early 2024, she moved into a memory care facility.

Joanne was blessed with a full and long life, a strong Christian faith, two happy marriages, and a family who loved her very much.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, and a brother, Harold T. Edwards. She is survived by her children: Laurel Damon Steffes (Mike), David Damon (Natalie), and Douglas Damon (Lisa); her grandchildren: Rachel Steffes Senninger, Liane Steffes, Caitlin Steffes (Ryan Spahr), Danielle Damon, and Jonathan Damon; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-granddaughters.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Grand Brook Memory Care in Zionsville for their help and support, and for the loving care they gave Joanne.

Inurnment at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park in Clearwater, FL.

Condolences and memories can be shared at Neptune Society.