Retired Officer Joan Hay

Retired Officer Joan Hay was born May 6, 1954, in Allendale, South Carolina to Mrs. Laura Mae Hay and the late Sam Hay. She graduated from Allendale Fairfax County High School in 1972. From high school, she enrolled in Massey Business College which relocated her to Jacksonville, Florida.

While in Jacksonville, she worked retail (Lerner Department Store) and decided to pursue a more rewarding career with the City of Jacksonville. The city of Jacksonville open the doors of opportunity for Joan. She began working at the Juvenile Clerk’s Office. Ultimately, she transferred to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office where she became an Emergency Communication Operator (Jacksonville Office NCIC Dispatcher). During the year of 1978 she transferred to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility (James E. Montgomery Facility). Through perseverance and hard work, she applied and was accepted into the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Police Academy, class of 1983.

Joan loved Law Enforcement work. She was passionate about her work. She would often speak of her daily law enforcement encounters with excitement. While at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office she worked in the Narcotic Division, the Detective Division, and lastly, she became a school resource officer. She was highly respected by students and staff from Ribault Senior High School and Stanton College Preparatory School. Additionally, she was a dedicated member of the of the Fraternal Order of Police Lounge Number 530. Also, Jacksonville Brotherhood of Police Officers. She was dedicated for a total of 37 years to her profession.

Even though Joan was actively involved with her South Carolina Church Family (Zion Hill Baptist Church), she decided to join St. Joseph Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Emeritus Henry T. Rhim, Sr. Joan loved sharing the word of God with family and friends. She loved both her church families.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories, her mother, Laura Mae Hay; her siblings, Dorothy Gantt, Regina Hay, Kenneth Brooks and Deloris Hay; special names, Lisa Williams and Anita Dempsey; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, co-workers, church families and many sorrowing friends.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family. 

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