Joan Marie (Clifton) Herb of Gainesville, FL formerly of Palmer Township, PA peacefully passed away on February 2, 2026. Joan was born to John L. Clifton and Mildred Marsh Clifton on November 28, 1931, in Easton, PA. She was a proud 1949 graduate of Wilson Area High School. While attending high school, Joan met the love of her life, James H. Herb. Upon Jim’s graduation from Penn State University in 1953 the couple wed and shared their lives for 46 years until Jim’s passing in 1999. After raising their children, Joan was involved in many things. She was employed as a secretary for both Brensinger and Stewartsville Elementary schools in New Jersey and worked as a poll worker for Warren County Elections Board in Phillipsburg, NJ. She later followed her passion for travel becoming a tour escort with Trans Bridge Lines and a travel agent for Thomas Cook Travel. She was very active in the Wilson Area High School Class of 1949 Reunion Committee, serving as secretary for many years and a member of the Red Hat Society and AARP Travel Club. Joan loved sports and was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles, Penn State Nittany Lions and the Phillipsburg Stateliners where her husband taught for 37 years. She loved spending time with family and friends and travelling with her husband creating new memories. No matter what Joan did in life, she made many lifelong friendships along the way.
Joan is survived by her five children: James (partner Carlos Miranda) of Hellertown, PA, John (partner Kathy Ketchledge) of Palmer, PA, Jeffrey (wife Jennifer) of Macon, GA, Jerold (wife Sonja) of Ocala, Fl and Jan Herb Campbell (husband Andy) of Gainesville, FL, 8 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and a sister-in-law Jean Herb Perruso and her husband T. Albert Perruso.
Visitation will be held from noon to 1PM Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St, Easton, PA followed by a service at 1 PM. She will be laid to rest at the Northampton Memorial Shrine. Memorials may be made to the Center for Animal Health and Welfare, 1165 Island Park Road, Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Laura Donaldson
February 6, 2026 at 4:38 pm
Dear Jimmy, Carlos and the entire Herb family,
How struck I was to read of Joan’s passing! I am sorry for this huge loss. As you and everyone who has ever known her would agree, Joan was a delightfully special human! She seemed to always be joy-filled. What a blessing. I am thankful for having enjoyed her company. Rest in Peace Joan.
Linda and Wayne Grace
February 6, 2026 at 8:07 pm
Joan holds a very special place in our hearts. She was responsible for our meeting 47 years ago by being our wise matchmaker at her son’s wedding. Wayne and I are forever grateful for her exceptional wisdom and kindness. She was like a second mother.
We will always remember her compassion, understanding, humor and loving nature.
All our condolences and love to Jim, John, Jeff, Jerry and Jan
Sincerely
Linda and Wayne Grace
Steve Jerolaman
February 6, 2026 at 9:23 pm
Cathy and my condolences to your family. Your mom and dad were like surrogate parents to me. I was part of the family. As my track coach, he guided me for four successful years. Mrs Herb was so kind and always treated me as if I was one of her own. May God bless
Her and reunite her and your dad. Hope all is well with all
Of “Herb family” that are all grown-up now. Take Care.
Steve & Cathy
(PS we are now Great Grand Parents)
Jack Marrero
February 8, 2026 at 10:23 am
Hi James,
My prayers are with you during these difficult timers.
So sorry for your loss; my deepest condolence to you and your family.
Love, Jack
Marisa and Craig Stephan
February 9, 2026 at 3:19 pm
Dear Jim and Carlos and Herb Family,
Our family sends prayers and hugs during this sad time. When we first met Joan, it felt as though we had known her forever. She had such a kind, warm soul, and she carried a joy for life that was impossible to miss. Her genuine friendliness lit up every room she entered, and being around her was always a gift. She was truly one of my favorites, and her loss leaves an ache in our hearts.
Marisa and Craig
Jeff Hahn
February 11, 2026 at 6:23 pm
Mrs. Herb was a sweet lady. As a kid, anytime I was at the Herb house she treated us with interest and respect, which I appreciated always! Her devotion to her family was evident and those memories will stay with us.
My condolences to John and his whole family..