Obituary of Joan Hill Horner

JOAN HILL HORNER, age 91, passed away peacefully at home on May 1, 2023, in Titusville, FL. She was a devoted wife to William J. Horner (married for 60 years) and beloved mother of Hillary Arena (Bobby), Mark Horner, Shannon Fisette, Kit Harrington (Dave), Matt Horner (Mary Anne), and Jennifer Horner. She was also a proud and loving Nana to Brittany Harrington-Lisak (Chris), Christopher Horner, Matthew Horner (Chelsea), Alex Horner, Cody Fisette (Crystal), and Nicholas Arena along with two greatgrandchildren, Dawsyn Short and Ross Horner.

She is survived by her six children, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, her sister-in-law Verna Hill, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in death by her husband, William Horner, her parents Howard and Inola Hill, brother James Hill, sister Jean Wardell, and grandson Christopher Horner.

Joan was born in 1931 in the small one-horse town of Harrold, SD, at the home of Blacksmith Charles & Dolly Hall who were pioneers of Hughes County. She lived her childhood and young adult years in Highmore, Pierre, and Sioux Falls, SD. Sioux Falls is where she met the love of her life, Bill, while he was working for the FBI. They later married in New York City and moved to Florida in 1957 to start a family. They settled in Titusville (formerly Indian River City), FL, in 1966. Even though she lived in Florida for more than 65 years, Joan still called South Dakota home.

Joan was an avid collector and was in the antique business for more than 30 years naming her shop The Prairie Touch in honor of her beloved Midwest roots. She was a founding member of the Titusville Collectors Club. She was active in the Titusville community and St. Teresa of Avila Church & School for many, many years.

Joan was a devout Catholic with a steadfast faith. Her greatest joy was her family. Her legacy will live on in them. Joan was a petite little lady with a big heart and generous spirit. She was kind and welcoming to neighbors and friends, always making room for an extra person at the dinner table or holiday meal. She was a central figure in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She was a true matriarch. She created a happy, healthy, nurturing, and loving home.

Honoring Joan’s wishes, services will be private. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

To honor Joan’s memory or for those wishing to make an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Indian School, PO Box 100, Chamberlain, SD 57325, or St. Teresa Food Pantry, 203 Ojibway Ave, Titusville, FL 32780.