Shawn Kathryn Joseph

Shawn Kathryn Joseph of Ellijay, Ga. passed away at North side Cherokee Hospital Canton, Ga on Sunday October 18, 2020, following a brief illness.  She is survived by her mother Joan Ojala of Port St. Lucie, Fl, father Alan Charles Joseph of Hollywood, Fl and brother Alan Charles Joseph Jr. She is preceded in death by her sister Debi Holland, Stepfather John Raymond Ojala, half brother Randy Holland and twin sister Rebecca Joseph.

Shawn was born in Hialeah, Florida to Joan and Alan Joseph on September 24, 1961. She weighed 1 pound 12 ounces at birth and spent the first 3 months of her life in neonatal care before being discharged to go home for Christmas.

Shawn began playing softball at the age of eight and continued playing in softball leagues into her early twenties. After graduating from McArthur High School in Hollywood, Florida, Shawn received a scholarship to play softball at Broward Community College in Davie, Florida. Her mixed league team won two national championships.

She spent her first 45 years living in Florida before moving to Georgia to be close to her sister Debi Holland.   Shawn is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, with a degree in Criminal Justice. While living in Florida, she was an employee with The School Board of Broward County, Florida, working with severely emotionally disabled students. She also worked at a residential childcare facility (CERTS) for youths with severe emotional and behavioral disorders. Shawn began her law enforcement career in Florida as a Pre-Trial Officer in 2005. Additionally, she was employed part-time at Starbucks as a Barista.  She later purchased a home in the North Georgia Mountains and moved in 2007 to be closer to her dear sister Debi Holland.  She worked in probation with the Appalachian Judicial Circuit and resumed her career with Starbucks in Ellijay, Ga. where she made her home.  Shawn took a position with the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office as a Sergeant in the Adult Detention Center. In March 2018 she joined the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office as a Lieutenant in the Adult Detention Center.

Shawn will be remembered by all who knew her for her tremendous work ethic,  vast experience, her dedication to law enforcement,  and her ability to treat everyone with fairness.  No matter what the situation.  She is known for her big heart, especially with kids, and for being a strong advocate for students with challenges in life. She was honest, straight forward, and enjoyed a good laugh. You couldn’t ask for a more loyal, fun loving friend. She was a woman of few words and conveyed her feelings through her actions. Shawn supported her friends through the good, bad and ugly in life. She was friendly, outgoing and had a great sense of humor. She enjoyed time spent with family and friends, while usually balancing two jobs.  She loved being outdoors with nature and playing volleyball, golfing, biking, gardening or tailgating at her favorite sporting events. She enjoyed new culinary experiences, whether it be a backyard BBQ or fine dining. Life was an adventure to her and she was an eager participant in the world around her.  Please keep Shawn's mother Joan Ojala in your thoughts and prayers during this time as well as all her friends that loved and cared for this wonderful lady both in Georgia as well as her native state of Florida.

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In Their Honor of Jasper Funeral Home is Honored to take care of Shawn's arrangements. FRIDAY, October 30th there will be a Law Enforcement procession from our funeral home leaving at 10:00 a.m. from 481 Noah Drive, Jasper to First Baptist Church of Ellijay, 164 Dalton Street. The service will begin at 11:00 p.m.

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Shawn requested in lieu of flowers to please send donations to Caring Fields Felines Sanctuary in Palm City, Fla www.cffelines.org

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