Tribute

Joan Rose Sever was born in Sattes, West Virginia to William and Mary Lee and she lived her adolescence in both Sattes and St. Albans before moving with her family to Clearwater, Florida in 1956. She graduated from Largo High School in 1957 and quickly became involved in the former Friendship United Methodist Church in Clearwater, where she met her husband of nearly 63 years Moses (Buddy) Sever. Joan worked primarily in the dental profession during her career and was a long-term dental hygienist for Palm Lake Dental Group in Palm Harbor, Florida. It was her dedication to the needs of other people, however, that defined Joan, as she spent nearly her entire life involved in volunteer work. Indeed, she won awards and was recognized in the media for her work with UPARC and SPARCs in the 1960s and 70s. She also volunteered for UNICEF, as den mother of cub scouts, worked with the youth in her church, volunteered for the Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Foundation, was active in her children’s little league and in the PTA’s at their schools, and much more. In fact, when a season of a division at Dunedin Little League was about to be canceled in the 1970s due to a shortage of men volunteering to serve as umpires, she strapped on a uniform and umpired for a season despite not knowing the rules. Thus, it was not a surprise that her final act was to donate her body to science so that she could continue to help people in the future. Joan enjoyed reading, traveling, and watching sports with her family and she spent her later years doting on her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed and is survived by her husband, Buddy Sever, her two sons; Mark Sever and wife Suzanne Sever, Brion Sever and wife Melissa Sever; her three grandchildren, Brody, Eason, and Buckley Sever; and her sister Loraine Blankenship. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Jack Lee. Joan’s selflessness and dedication to her family, friends, and community will always be remembered. Some have said that life is only worth living if it is lived for others. Joan knew no other way to live.

Friends & Family