Joanne Bruce

Joanne (Sanders) Bruce, age 58, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in her home on May 12, 2022. She was born on January 4, 1964 in Newark, New Jersey to Preston and Sue Sanders. Joanne graduated from Marion High School, Marion, South Carolina, class of ‘82. Marion is also where she met and married Herbert Bruce, Jr in 1984. Together they had two beautiful daughters, Lametria and Briana. As a result of Herbert serving in the United States Air Force, Joanne set up house in Denver, Colorado (Lowry Air Force Base 1984 - 1987), Grand Forks, North Dakota (Grand Forks Air Force Base 1987 - 1992), Seoul, South Korea (Yongsan Garrison 1992 - 1995) and finally Suffolk, Virginia (Joint Forces Staff College 1995 - 2001) where she built her home. For many years Joanne worked as a certified Medical Assistant, Night Auditor, certified Bar Tender and Real Estate Agent. Joanne enjoyed arts and crafts and was amazing at repurposing items and upholstering furniture. She loved using the power tools and assisting with all projects. She was truly a Jo of all trades. Joanne mastered the art of shopping and finding a great deal. She knew when items would be marked down and the percentage of the discount. Whenever she asked, “how much do you think I paid for this,” you knew she got an awesome deal. Joanne had two green thumbs. She loved plants and growing her own herbs. She was an excellent cook. Jo also enjoyed reading books and listening to spiritual pod casts. Eckhart Tolle was among her favorites. She often recommended books and pod casts to family and friends. Joanne adored her family and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren who loving called her Nana. Joanne looked forward to her daily conversations with family and friends. You could hear the excitement in her voice. Joanne loved people and was very kind to everyone unless you gave her a reason not to be. She could strike up a conversation with a stranger and you’d think they were friends for years. Joanne leaves to cherish her memory her husband Herbert Bruce, Jr., daughters Lametria Smith and Briana Collier (Dre), her mother Sue Ann Sanders, sisters Dianne Harvey (Andre) and Sheila Sanders (DJ); brothers Curtis Sanders (Lisa), Ronnie Sanders and James Sanders (Diana); eight grandchildren: Alexia Bruce (Marc), Jordan Smith, Joi Smith, Andre Collier, Airis Collier, A’King Bruce Collier, Aria Collier and Jaumarian Barnett; close friends Patricia Vandiver and Renee Saunders; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. All of whom loved her dearly and will never forget her beautiful smile, uplifting pure positive energy and undying love for them. Joanne filled our hearts and souls with many loving memories; she will be deeply missed. Public viewing will be held 4-7 p.m. Friday, May 20, 2022 at Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. A celebration of life will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 21, 2022 in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel. Bishop A.S. Hall, Sr. will deliver the message of comfort. She will be laid to rest 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joanne Bruce, please visit our flower store.