Joi Hope Thomas

Joi Hope Thomas of Green Cove Springs, FL was born on September 19, 1960, to Herbert Walter Hope and Hilda Jane Zinn in Millington, TN. She passed away on June 5, 2022 at St. Vincent’s Riverside Hospital in Jacksonville, FL after a short but fierce battle with lung cancer. Both parents preceded her in death.

Joi and her husband Dennis owned and operated several successful businesses throughout their 38 years together. After their retirement Joi took care of and was the primary caregiver for her Mother until her passing in September 2021.

Joi was active at the Elks Lodge 1892, Green Cove Springs, and worked tirelessly in supporting veterans and helping to plan and execute many large fundraising events there. Countless funds were raised, and the benefits enjoyed as a result of these adventures were immeasurable. Joi was rarely seen without her cherished U.S. Flag lapel pin as she was very proud of her father’s service in the U.S. Navy, as well as all those who serve. She also volunteered her time with J.P. Hall Children's Charities in Green Cove Springs and at the Northeast Florida Camp Cadet at Camp Blanding in Keystone, FL.

Family was the most important thing in Joi’s life, and that included both blood family and her family of choice. Her favorite times were those spent with them, always sharing her love and sweet spirit to all who were in her presence. She and Dennis loved music of all types and genres, and they spent many times enjoying live music from local artists and from artists more well known from throughout the country.  Everyone who knew Joi knew that she had a special love for dragonflies. Collecting dragonfly symbols of all kinds was a labor of love and her passion, and the lifetime collection she has accumulated adorns her home and every facet of her life.  Joi was a very beautiful lady both inside and out. The Love and Light that surrounded her was noticed immediately when she entered the room as people were drawn to her kindness, compassion, and energy with an instant connection.  To know Joi was to love her. Her faith was strong, and was evident not only in words, but by her actions that were always intended for the benefit of humankind and the world she lived in. That world has lost an earthly angel, and the Heavens have gained a beautiful soul.

Survivors include her husband, Dennis Mason Thomas of the home; brother Herbert Walter Hope Jr. (Emma) of Sarasota, FL; sister Lori Hope Rigdon, (Terry) of White, GA; Shea Hope of Hutto, TX; Dema Webb (Ray) of Riverview, FL; nieces and nephews Herbie and Henry Hope, Jacob Perkins and Mason Rigdon, Lee Grose and Micah Grose, R.J. Webb and Sabrina Mallicote; step-son Ian Watson (Kathy) of Green Cove Springs, FL; mother-in-Law Jerri Strickland of Green Cove Springs, FL; and

brother-in-law Charles Thomas of Ocean Way, FL. Other family members including aunts, uncles, and cousins mourn her loss. Her large and extended community of friends at the Elks Lodge in Green Cove Springs will also miss her more than words can say.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Children with Hair Loss (www.ChildrenWithHairLoss.US), Elk Lodge 1892 in Green Cove Springs, any animal rescue organization, or the Charity of your choice.