Lorraine Strawn Deese

Lorraine Strawn "Jo" Deese passed away November 27, 2020 at her son's home on Lake Wylie, South Carolina.  she was born in Wingate, North Carolina on September 27, 1934 to Blair and Gladys Pope Strawn. Shegraduated from A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis and soon married the love of her life Clinton "Clontz" Deese.  Jo worked as an Executive Secretary for J.A. Jones Construction Company for 30 years.  Upon her husband's retirement they moved to Lake Norman and spent many wonderful years lakeside until Clontz death in 2016.

Jo then moved to Atria Senior Living of Lake Norman whre she made many new friends, including a very special friendship with Sally Peterson.  In 2019, Jo she was diagnosed with a very rare disease scleroderma with pulmonary arterial hypertension.  She met this challenge with grace, optimism and humor.  She remained in good spirits and always had a joke ready when it was needed.  She was known for never forgetting a joke and always knowing how and when to tell one.  Reluctant to give up her independence, it turned out to be a blessing for all that she was able to spend the last months of her life in the care of her family.

She is survived by her son Stephen L. Deese and wife Cindy, and two grandchildren, Connor and Stephanie.  In addition to her parents and husband, Jo was preceded in death by her younger sister/best friend Becky Woods who passed in 2018.  

The family wishes to express thanks to the staff of Hospice of Iredell County and also to Hospice and Community Care of Rock Hill. South Carolina.

Memorials may be sent to Hospice of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Rd, Statesville, North Carolina 28625

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