Joan Ann (Weaver) Stone passed peacefully into eternity on July 4, 2026, joining her husband, Eugene (Gene) C. Stone, Sr, and parents, Wilford T. & Ruth M. Weaver. Joan is survived by her children, RuthAnn Stone and Eugene (Gene) C. Stone, Jr & his wife Jeanette, granddaughters Jordan Stone & Jillian Stone, sister Carol & husband Owen Tucker, and six nieces & nephews.

Joan, a life long resident of the greater Tampa area, was born September 22, 1942, graduating Chamberlain High School in 1960, and entering nurses training at the Gordon Keller School of Nursing soon after. Upon completion, Joan began her career as a pediatrics nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. She and her future husband, Gene, acquainted in high school, began dating while he was home on leave from the US Marine Corps. Married in November 1963, Joan & Gene welcomed their two children, RuthAnn in October 1964, and Gene, Jr in October 1966.

Joan suspended her nursing career to raise their children, resuming to care for her maternal grandfather, then continuing in long term and private duty nursing until retirement.Joan’s joys were her family, serving in various roles in the churches where she worshipped, and being a nurse, which she considered her calling. As a breast cancer survivor, Joan gave all glory to God for His grace & mercy, and the healing power of Jesus Christ, enduring a mastectomy and multiple rounds of chemotherapy in 1992.

After living several years in Ridge Manor in 2000’s, Joan & Gene returned to North Tampa (2013) and Buchanan Baptist Church where their family had worshipped nearly thirty years prior. There they found fellowship, spiritual nourishment, and ample opportunities to worship God and His Son Jesus Christ as they continued to grow in and live out their faith. In her final years after her husband passed in 2022, God blessed Joan and her family with the angel that is Dianne Taylor. As housemate, companion, and care giver, Diane’s presence enabled Joan to live out her remaining days at home. Diane’s friendship, precious & sincere heart, as well as her strength and tenacity as a prayer warrior provided an environment of peace and care, spiritual and otherwise, allowing Joan to enjoy a comfortable and carefree life. We were also blessed with and are eternally grateful for the unwavering support of long-time friends and neighbors, Buck & Starr Barineau who, through their tireless presence, diligence, and efforts, have made it all work for years.

Our family acknowledges, with very special thanks, Dr Kanchan Kamath & PA Barbara Vargas, and Cardiologist Dr Reynaldo Mulingtapang & ARNP Ann Dempsey for years of attentive and compassionate care, providing both of our parents with the quality of life they enjoyed. Finally, we express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to LifePath Hospice, the Chapters Health Pink Team (Janice, Carol, Rachel, Tanya, Dr Lee, and so many others) and the Melech staff (Adam, et al) for incredible care and accommodation, without which everything would have been quite different.

Joan’s memorial and Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 16th 2026 at Idlewild At The Springs, 8209 N 19th St Tampa, FL 33604. Visitation is at 10:30am with the service beginning at 11:00am. Following the service, lunch will be available in the fellowship hall, providing guests the opportunity to share memories of Joan with her family.

Joan will be interred with her husband, Gene, Sr at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. Details yet to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, Joan and her family request donations in Joan’s memory:

The Declare No More Foundation (https://declarenomore.com/joans-legacy/) , an organization close to Joan’s heart that educates churches on the cause-and-effect relationships between poverty, homelessness, and exploitation. Taking concrete action to end human trafficking, NoMore also provides tangible options and opportunities for those vulnerable to as well as survivors of human trafficking.

LifePath Hospice (https://www.chaptershealth.org/chapters-health-foundation/lifepathhospice-donation/) who, providing beyond excellent care for our mom in her home as well as the Melech Hospice House in Temple Terrace, fostered a peaceful experience in familiar surroundings for our entire family. Fittingly, the Melech House and LifePath also served as our Nana’s last care stop before joining Pop in Heaven, and continues to be a great source of comfort for our family.