Mary Joan Zimmerman's Obituary
Mary Joan Werner Zimmerman, 89, died peacefully Saturday, July 16, 2016 at Regency Park Nursing Facility in Eustis, FL. Mary Jo was born on April 27, 1927 in Lima, Ohio. She was a 1945 graduate of Blume High School in Wapakoneta. She attended Bowling Green State University and graduated with a degree in elementary education in 1949. While attending college Mary Jo was a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority, and the Bowling Green Capella Traveling Choir. Mary Jo was a teacher in the Lima City Schools from 1949-1951. After returning to her hometown of Wapakoneta in 1967 she taught 25 years in the Wapakoneta City School System, both at Northridge Elementary and Centennial Elementary Schools. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl F. Werner, and Cecile N. Werner of Wapakoneta. Her survivors include her husband, Donald O. Zimmerman of Cincinnati, Ohio, her sister, Lura Mae Rickert (Tootie) of Wapakoneta, a son Brent W. Bickhart (Kathy) of Tavares, FL, and a daughter Beverly J. Tyre (Jimmy) of Eustis, FL. She had 5 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and 4 nieces and nephews. Mary Jo was a member of the Wapakoneta Methodist Church growing up and was very active during her childhood and teenage years. In recent years she attended New Knoxville United Methodist Church in New Knoxville, Ohio, and was a member of Adventure Christian Church in Tavares, FL. Her memorial services will be held on July 30 at 11:00 a.m. at Adventure Christian Church, State Rd. 19, Tavares, FL, and at Bayliff and Eley Funeral Home, Lincoln Ave., Wapakoneta, Ohio Aug. 3 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting any memorials in her memory be made to Adventure Christian Academy, 3800 State Rd. 19, Tavares, FL 32778 to go towards the school’s building fund. Arrangements have been entrusted to Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778, (352)343-4444. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall.
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