Joan Wade Jennings Norton

Mrs. Joan Wade Jennings Norton, a lifelong resident of Green Cove Springs, FL, died on June 11, 2024. She was 92 years old.

Mrs. Norton was a beloved schoolteacher at the elementary, middle, high school and junior college levels for 37 years, with the majority of her teaching at the secondary level at Clay High School. She was department chair of the English Department.

She was chosen for many teaching honors, including that of Clay High teacher of the Year, Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Young Teacher, the Superintendent’s Award, and Clay County Teacher of the Year. A former Clay High student established a scholarship fund in her name.

She received a Bachelor of Science of Education degree from the University of Alabama in 1953, and a Master of Education degree from the University of Florida in 1963.

She was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Green Cove Springs. Her interests included reading, travel, writing, piano, and politics.

Mrs. Norton was the daughter of former Clay County Judge Thomas J. Jennings, Jr. and Marie Wade Jennings, of Green Cove Springs, who predeceased her. Her former husband, James T. Norton of Orange Park, also predeceased her. Her great uncle was Gov. William Sherman Jennings of Florida.

She is survived by her daughter, Jeanne Norton Rollberg of Little Rock, Ark; cousins, William Jennings Burke (Pat) of Alpharetta, GA, Kimberly Burke Brown of Dunwoody, GA, and Stephanie Burke of Alpharetta and Atlanta, GA.

Through the years, Mrs. Norton was a member of the Clay County Democratic Executive Committee, the Clay County Retired Educators Association, the Florida Retired Educators’ Association, the Clay County Historical Society, the Pi Beta Phi Social Fraternity, the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, and was described in the Who’s Who Among American Women, 1998 edition. She supported the Council on Aging of Clay County.

Mrs. Norton will be cherished by all who knew her for her inward and outward beauty, her eternal optimism, her refreshing spirit, and her loving generosity to friends and family. Heartfelt thanks go to special friends Stephanie Hines Hogans of Middleburg and neighbors David and Glenda Blocker.

Memorials may be made to the Council on Aging of Clay County, the Humane Society of North Central Florida or the Alzheimer’s Association.

The family will receive friends at 10:00am on Saturday, July 20, 2024, in the Broadus-Raines Chapel and funeral services will begin at 11:00am with Reverend Susan Takis officiating. Burial to follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery.