Leaving behind a legacy of kindness, joy, devotion to God, and love for her family; Joan Agnes Dickson Thayer, 95, passed on to be with the Lord on January 12, 2025. Joan was born on June 28, 1929 to Clarence Hudson Dickson and Freda Pernell Dickson in Vienna, West Virginia. In 1953, at her home church in Vienna, Joan married the love of her life, Paul Thayer. At the time, Paul was working on his Ph.D. research at the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station while Joan worked at the Dairy Science Extension Office of Ohio State University. During this time, she enjoyed picnics with other graduate student families, playing Canasta, and participating in her local church.Joan walked through life with a gentle strength and an unwavering love for her family. She was an excellent listener and source of encouragement. She enjoyed traveling and looked forward to her annual trips visiting with friends that she met through her lifes journey. Joan was a prayer warrior for many, always having the perfect scripture ready for every situation, and went out of her way to take care of others. She enjoyed connecting with her neighbors through hosting community church groups and playing cards. Joan also enjoyed playing piano and league bowling in her younger years, singing in the choir, line dancing, and listening to her family play music. Along with her husband, she was a devout member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville, Florida where she enjoyed spending time with her Fisherman Bible Study Group.Joan leaves behind her beloved husband Paul who was her travel partner and storyteller, her children Daniel (Marilyn) Thayer, Jennifer (Jim) Schaafsma, and Thomas (Katherine) Thayer. Proud grandmother to Kelly (Towns) Burgess, Tyler (Emily) Schaafsma, Kyle (Missy) Thayer, Scott (Katie) Thayer, Graham Schaafsma, Jacob (Shannon) Thayer, and Paul Aaron Thayer, and several great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents and four sisters, Nellie, June, Fern, and Grace.A Celebration of Life Ceremony to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Trinity United Methodist Church. Funeral Home Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Avenue Gainsville FL - 32609 US 352-378-2528