Joanne (McKnight) Behr

Joanne McKnight Behr May 20, 1934 – December 15, 2024

Joanne McKnight Behr, 90, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2024, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. In her final days, she was surrounded by loved ones sharing songs, poems, and stories from her life.

Joanne was born on May 20, 1934, in Carrabelle, FL to Bertis and Gladys (Robison) McKnight. She had a magical upbringing in Carrabelle, the oldest of four daughters. Some of Joanne’s favorite memories include floundering with her father in Apalachicola Bay, baking pineapple upside down cake with Mama, or “helping” get out the vote for Big Mommy. The stories are just as endless as the love she knew growing up in a small town surrounded by extended family.

Joanne excelled in high school starting on the basketball team and was a valued member of the debate club, which led to her great success with the International Toastmistress Club. After high school, she found work in the State Capital recording bills into law directly after they passed and later as a lobbyist.

She married and had four children, Mayme Catherine, George Thomas, Bette-Jo, and Angela. Joanne’s independence didn’t waver as she headed to Miami to start her own successful business, Keystone Travel, which enabled her to travel the world. Joanne later moved to Orlando where she truly found her calling in real estate. Selling out new developments in a rapidly growing Orlando, Joanne loved finding homes for families because she knew exactly what a home should be – a place of love, warmth, laughter, and music.

In Orlando, Joanne met the love of her life, Sam Allen Behr. They married in 1984 and lived in Winter Park and New Smyrna Beach until Sam’s death in 2013. By then, Joanne lived in NSB full-time. They found each other later in life, but they were perfect to do life together. They played Bridge, laughed, and danced around the world for nearly 30 years. Now they’re dancing together on streets of gold.

One of Joanne’s biggest passions in life was Bridge, where she became a Diamond Life Master, was ranked internationally, and played professionally all over the world. She was a local and regional director in several ACBL clubs and won tournaments all over the country. Omar Sharif was one of her favorite partners.

Joanne's eternal optimism, elegance, grace, and strong faith were the foundations of her life. Every day and every situation had a silver lining. Everyone noticed when she walked into a room. She showed up with style and elegance. She treated everyone with grace and love. Her unwavering faith carried her through life’s challenges. She practiced her faith daily and was a member of a church everywhere she lived. Most recently, Joanne attended St. Peter the Fisherman Episcopal Church and, before that, her daughter’s church, Covenant United Methodist. With faith such a cornerstone, she passed down her belief in God to her children and grandchildren.

The quintessential mother, exceptional grandmother, dear friend, amazing Bridge partner and player, and incredible woman. A hole is left in the many lives she touched. We were all blessed to know her.

Joanne is survived by her children, Mayme Catherine Paul (Stephan Carter), George Thomas Paulk II (Kathryn), Reverend Bette-Jo Foster, Angela McKnight, Jeffrey H. Behr, Sheri Behr (Gary) Ogilvie, and Philip Macy Behr as well as fifteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her three sisters, Reverend Jackie (Don) McMillan, Joyce (Roger) Kennedy, and Judy (Michael) Lister.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 1p.m. at the Settle-Wilder Funeral Home 406 S. Orange Street, New Smyrna Beach, Florida. A reception will follow at the Smyrna Yacht Club at 2 p.m.

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