Joetta Croft

Joetta Croft, age 83, of Lulu, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025, at UF Health Shands Hospital. Born on August 15, 1941, on the Union/Columbia County line, Joetta was a lifelong resident of Union County.

After graduating from Columbia County High School in 1959, Joetta married the love of her life, Travis “Slim” Croft, later that year. She soon began working at Belk’sbefore she and Travis opened Croft's General Store in Lulu. She left the store to take a job at the GE battery plant before finally dedicating 23 years of her life working for JC Penney's until her retirement.

Joetta was not only an industrious worker but also a devoted homemaker. Her family fondly referred to her kitchen as "Nana Jo's Buffet," a testament to her love and passion for cooking. She also loved being outside either working the farm, gardening, tending to her flowers, or finding a fishing hole. And she always looked forward to her annual trip to the mountains where she loved attending arts and craft shows.

Joetta was a humble woman of faith who truly embodied kindness. Her personality was characterized by a warm and loving spirit; she never uttered a crossword to anyone. She was a Godly woman who many people would lean on in troubled times.

Joetta is survived by her devoted husband of 65+ years, Travis “Slim” Croft of Lulu; her children, Kim (Tommy) Beasley of Providence and Willie (Amy Packham) Croft of Palestine; her grandchildren, Nathan (Bethany Jackson) Beasley, Chaton (Selena) Croft, Datein (Hunter) Ash, and Case "Boo" (Emily Hillard) Croft; and her great-grandchildren, Kimberlynn, Aliza, Emeri, Elsie, Trip and Madison. She is also survived by her brothers, Gary (Ellen) Johnson and Mitchell "Sugarfoot" Johnson, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Joetta was preceded in death by her brother, Randall Ashley "Sonny" Johnson; her daughter-in-law, Lara Croft; as well as her great-niece, Elizabeth "Liz" Lavoie, and great-nephew, Garrett Dicks.

A funeral to honor Joetta's life will be held on Tuesday, February 25, at 2:00 pm at her church, Lulu Baptist Church. The family will receive friends for a visitation on Monday, February 24, from 6-8:00 pm at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest at Swift Creek Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler, FL. 386-496-2008. www.ArcherFuneralHome.com