Jean Hung Woo Joe

Jean Hung Woo Joe passed away peacefully at the Bolivar Medical Center in Cleveland, Mississippi, on Friday, December 5, 2025, after a courageous year-long battle with illness. She was 85 years old.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM at Cleveland Funeral Home.

A private family burial will follow at the North Cleveland Cemetery. Reverend Jon Daniels will officiate the service.

Born on August 20, 1940, in Taishan, Guangdong, China, Jean was the daughter of Woo Wing Lee and Woo Ju Shee. Her life was a remarkable story of devotion, perseverance, and quiet strength. Jean met the love of her life, Kay Cheung (K.C.) Joe, in Kowloon, Hong Kong, and the two were married on November 27, 1961. Their partnership was built on mutual respect, shared dreams, and steadfast dedication. Though Jean was predeceased by her beloved K.C., the legacy they created together continues to flourish through their children and grandchildren.

In October 1966, Jean and K.C. made the brave decision to immigrate to the United States with their two young sons, determined to build a brighter future and embrace the promise of the American Dream. Through years of diligence and sacrifice, they carved out a new life in Cleveland, Mississippi. From 1967 to 1973, they owned and operated a small grocery store in South Cleveland. In 1974, they purchased Michael’s Restaurant—an establishment that soon became woven into the fabric of the Delta community. In 1984, they renamed it KC’s Restaurant, a heartfelt reflection of their labor, love, and commitment to those they served.

Jean was the heart of her family—a devoted mother, grandmother, and matriarch whose pride in her loved ones knew no bounds. She is survived by two sons, Wally Chi Joe and his wife Lila of Germantown, TN, and Don Chi Joe and his wife Nancy of Cleveland, MS. She also leaves behind five cherished grandchildren: Margaux Jessica Joe (Louis Smith) of Columbus, OH; Sydney Katherine Joe of Atlanta, GA; and Samuel “Aidan” Joe, William Paxton “Pax” Joe, and Kacey Carolyn “Carrie” Joe of Cleveland, MS. Jean delighted in every milestone, big or small, and her guiding presence will continue to shape the family she nurtured with such love.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Charles Brock and Dr. Steven Clark for their unwavering commitment to her care this past year. They also thank the ICU and Swing Bed nurses, the OT/PT staff, and the Long-Term Care Unit staff at Bolivar Medical Center. Jean’s family is profoundly grateful for the compassion, patience, and professionalism shown by every member of her care team; they could not have asked for better support.

The family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, The Delta State University Foundation, or to a local church or charity of your choice.

Jean’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she loved, those she served, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.