A Life Well-Lived
Joseph Maner, affectionately known as JoJo, was born on January 4, 1953, in Allendale, South Carolina. He was the eldest of five siblings born to Frank and Jearline Maner. JoJo and his parents moved to Brooksville, Florida at an early age. JoJo received his early education at what was formerly known as Moton High School. It was at Moton, in 1968, that he met his lifelong friend and wife of 52 years Martha Carol Williams. This union would produce three daughters Jackie, Pooh, and Punkin. As a result of integration, JoJo transferred to Hernando High School in 1970. Where he graduated in 1971.
Immediately following graduation, JoJo moved to Atlanta, Georgia and attended Railroad Engineering School. Shortly after moving to Atlanta, JoJo was called back to Brooksville to pursue a career opportunity at Southern Bell, currently AT&T. During his tenure at Southern Bell, JoJo traveled to countless southern states serving as a Telephone Engineer. Eventually Southern Bell employees would go on strike. It was during this time that JoJo took a leave of absence to attend Pasco Hernando Community College. After completing PHCC, JoJo became a Health Inspector for the Hernando Health Department and Supervisor for the Landfill of Hernando County. Once he had completed this venture, JoJo returned to Bell South, where he retired after 43 years of service.
JoJo accepted Christ at young age and was a devoted member of Allen Temple AME Church. JoJo was a long standing and active member of the Improved Benevolent Order of Elks of the World. He was a pilar of strength and wisdom to all Elk, especially within his local lodge Frederick Kelly Elks Lodge #1270. He held various positions and served on numerous committees throughout the organization on state and local levels. He served as 1st Vice President of the State of Florida, Financial Secretary for the Council (District 6), Exalted Ruler of Frederick Kelly Elks Lodge #1270, a position he held in excess of 20 years until his transition.
JoJo was the patriarch of the Maner Family. He opened his home to anyone in need. He was the one member of the family that everyone knew they could call on in good and bad times. When he wasn’t watching the latest Sci Fi movie, JoJo loved sitting in the garage laughing, listening to music, telling stories, and enjoying the company of whoever stopped by. JoJo loved to cook. On Sundays, you could find him in the kitchen cooking dinner for anyone who cared to partake. Don’t let him get on the grill. Hands down when JoJo was on the grill no one could come close to JoJo’s Barbeque. And, let’s not forget his daily drives to play his lottery numbers. Win or lose he enjoyed playing the game.
JoJo was preceded in death by his father Frank Maner Sr., two siblings, Henry Grant Maner (Crab), and sister Mary Helen Maner Hoskins (MaMa) and granddaughter Richelle Le’Janee Hart.
JoJo will be truly missed by his Loving and Devoted Wife, Martha Carol Maner; a loving mother Jearline Maner; three daughters Jacqueline LaShawn Maner, Jowatha LaCarol Maner, JoSandra Lenaye Mason (Dante Mason, Sr.); Son Desmond Nathan; brother Frank Maner Jr (Mary); sister Mary Elizabeth Harris (Michael); grandsons Jamar Maner, Richard Hart Jr, and Dante Mason Jr (Diddy); one granddaughter Heaven Lee Hill (Cisro); two great grandsons Richard Lee Hart III (Butta) and Jadore Hart; four special nephews Henry Maner, Joseph Maner (Amelia), Eugene Hicks (Tamara), and Terrance Ford whom he treated like sons; five nieces Angela Maner, Debra Hopkins (Al), Antoinette (Mondrell), and Marcia Bennett. JoJo’s brother Frank, blessed him with one beautiful niece Jessica Maner and nephews Joshua Maner, Caleb Maner, John Maner, James Maner, Jordan Donaldson, and Justin Ford. Sister-in-laws Dorothea Williams (Phoenix, AZ), Elizabeth Holder, Shirley Williams, Tiffany Adams (Eric). Brother-in-laws; David Frazier, Michael Frazier, Robert Lawson (Wanda), Walter Moore (Patricia), Jerome Douglas (Ida) and Timothy King; special cousins Franklin Maner (Queenie) and Jacqueline Henderson (Johnnie); special friend Joe Cannon; JoJo also leaves a host of grieving great nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family members, friends, and loved ones.
Previous Events
Visitation
10
May
819 Leonard Street
Brooksville, FL 34601
Service
11
May
200 Mt. Fair Avenue
Brooksville, FL 34601
Cemetery Details
Location
1275 Olmes Rd
Brooksville, FL 34601
