Obituary
Joan Lee Gastfield
Joan Lee Gastfield passed away peacefully on February 11, 2023, after a lengthy illness.
Joan was born in Columbus, Ohio on September 8,1933 to Thomas and Bernice Bennett. As a young child Joan’s family moved to Eustis, Florida where she grew up. She enjoyed swimming in Lake Saunders where they lived and was active in numerous school activities. Joan was a cheerleader, played coronet in the band, sang in glee club, was a member of Beta club, as well as other groups. She was also voted “Best Looking” by her senior class. During high school, Joan began dating George Gastfield from nearby Lisbon, after they met at the local roller skating rink.
On December28, 1951, soon after George had enlisted in the Air Force, he and Joan eloped to Folkston Georgia to be married. They traveled to Georgia to marry as the legal age was only 18 in that state. The Gastfield couple would then move to Cheyenne, Wyoming where George was stationed. While living in Cheyenne, Joan would give birth to their children Randy and Margie. After George’s active duty service was completed in 1955, the Gastfield family moved back to Florida, first to Cocoa for several years, and then to Orlando.
Joan was a homemaker while her children were growing up. She was an excellent cook, seamstress and her home became a welcoming place to all. Joan loved entertaining and serving family and friends during the holidays and for other celebrations. When Margie and Randy were in school, she served as PTA president, Cub Scout leader, and in many other areas.
Joan’s first love was serving her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She taught children’s Sunday school for most of her life and the children loved her. She was a leader in Vacation Bible School and worked at Christian summer camp. Joan was also a leader in church women’s groups and enjoyed mentoring young ladies and mothers. Her gentle spirit was an example to all.
When Joan’s children were in high school, she enrolled in vocational school, studying to work in the administrative area of the medical field. Over the next few decades, she worked for a hospital and later in doctor’s offices. She was a valued employee excelling in bookkeeping and insurance collections.
Joan and George enjoyed spending time with each other, family and friends. They liked traveling and attending southern gospel concerts. Joan loved watching baseball and college football and basketball.
Joan was preceded in death by George, her faithful husband of almost 69 years as well as her parents, and brothers Thomas and James Bennett. She is also survived by her son, Randall Gastfield, daughter, Margie Thompson (Dale), grandchildren, Ryan (Trish), Erin Thompson, and Garrett Gastfield. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Josiah and Asher Thompson. Joan is survived by her sister Donna Pearce as well.
A short outdoor service will be held at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at 1 PM on Tuesday March 7, 2023. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Joan’s memory to Johnson University Florida, https://johnsonu.edu/donate/florida/.
Even though I never met you in person we had many wonderful conversations.
Your husband and you are together again in the arms of Our Precious Lord and Savior.