Joann was born on Jan 11, 1952 to Mae Elizabeth (Hurd) and Robert Anthony Bocrie, while he was stationed at Ft Lee, VA. Her teen years were spent working alongside her mother at Hurds II, the family restaurant in Virginia Beach. It was hard work, but she always cherished that time with her mother, who died shortly after. Joann was in First Colonial High School’s first graduating class, then went on to graduate from ODU in 1976.
Joann became a dedicated teacher. She was proud to teach in Middlesex County, Norfolk, then 29 years in Newport News Schools, touching countless lives. She and her beloved husband, Ronald Sautter, had 3 children in their rural Williamsburg home, where she developed her lifelong love of flowers. She also loved the Lord, and was a member of Williamsburg Christian Church. When Ron died suddenly, Joann moved the family to Hampton, close to her extended family, and joined Northampton Church of Christ.
Joann died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Friday, February 16, after a long cancer battle. She lived to see 3 grandchildren that she loved playing with, drawing pictures and telling Knock Knock Jokes. Her family, flowers, and swimming were always her joys, a trip to the beach always made her happy. She remained close to 2 of her teacher friends, Susan Neely and Marilyn Morris. She leaves behind children, Amanda Elizabeth Venable (John), Justin Robert Sautter (Melissa), Lee Thomas Sautter, and her grandchildren, Emma Grace, Cayden, and Brinley. She also leaves 4 loving brothers, Bob (Cheryl), Jerry (Lori), Jim (Delores), and Steve (Cindy). She will be missed by several cousins and 3 generations of nieces and nephews.
Services with be at Bucktrout Funeral Home in Williamsburg on February 24, at 11 a.m. The family will receive visitors beforehand, starting at 10 a.m. In memory of Joann, the family asks that you wear green or blue, her favorite colors. Joann will be buried (privately) at Williamsburg Memorial Park, next to Ron.
