IN Loving Memory of Joel Ross Driver

September 1, 1977 - January 27, 2012

“He showed us the meaning of caring”

Update as of 1/20/14:  We are coming up on 2 years since Joel’s passing. A lot has changed for some people, some for the better because of Joel’s inspiration. We are working on a new website for Joel, calling it www.inspiredbydriver.com. Anyone who who like to contribute to this website, please contact Katrina Kirby via email at musickat77mac.com. This website will cater to Joel’s passions in the career counseling industry. The idea behind the website comes from Joel’s dream of having a place for young students searching for their path and finding a job that makes them happy. He wanted various people from all work fields and walks of life to video interview and give their insight and struggle to accomplish their goals. Just because Joel is not walking among us, does not mean his spirit can’t live on. He had a purpose in all our lives and he had a lot to offer. Its up to us to continue his dream. Update as of 1/31/12: Joel’s funeral will be Thursday, February 2nd, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The gathering of friends and family will begin at 10 am and go to 11 am and the service will go from 11 am to 12 pm. Interment will follow the service at Beal Memorial Cemetery. I have listed a map with red dot to give you a location of the church. The address is: 103 First St. S.E. | Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 (850) 243-9292  The family is asking in lieu of flowers that a donation be made to the Joel Driver Scholarship fund to honor his memory as a Career Counselor at Florida State University and the University of Texas. Send Donations to: FSU FOUNDATION, FOR THE JOEL DRIVER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 2010 LEVY BLVD, P.O. BOX 3062739, TALLAHASSEE, FL 32306 Update as of 1/28/12: Joel joined the angels in heaven and his Lord and Savior late January 27, 2012. He was surrounded by his family as his 19 year battle with cancer came to an end. Joel is loved by many people and he touched so many lives during his time as a Career Counselor at both the University of Texas and Florida State University. He will forever live in our hearts and touch many more people with his story of determination to fight the battle. He will be forever known as a successful Mentor, Brother, Son, Uncle, Godfather, and a TRUE Friend. Funeral arrangements will be posted once the date and time are set. If you have any memories or stories you would like to share, you may email them to Katrina Kirby Benitez at the email address: katrinabenitez@mac.com. Any donations made at this time will go towards a scholarship fund at FSU in Joel’s honor. The family is asking for this in lieu of flowers. Below is a message from Joel around the 2009 timeframe: “I’m not a huge fan of asking for help, call it a stubborn masculine thing, but I’m moving out of my comfort zone and turning to you.

I’ve lived with thyroid cancer for 17 years and have maintained a fairly normal life, despite it. A year ago, my once stable cancer suddenly “went rogue” and moved into my brain, spine and other areas. My doctors at MD Anderson Cancer Hospital in Houston and I feel confident about curing me.

I’m having trouble keeping up with my medical expenses and would appreciate any help you can give, however small. Whether you help financially or not, I would appreciate your positive thoughts and healing prayers.

You can donate by sending money through my paypal account by clicking on the donate button to the side. I know I will be healed. God is working on this and I’m stepping out of His way. Thank you for taking the time to visit my page.” - Joel Driver Last Update 01/20/2014 by Katrina Rosalind Kirby, musickat77@mac.com http://www.inspiredbydriver.commailto:musickat77@mac.comshapeimage_1_link_0shapeimage_1_link_1
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, DONATIONS CAN BE MADE TO: FSU FOUNDATION, FOR THE JOEL DRIVER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 2010 LEVY BLVD., P.O. BOX 3062739, TALLAHASSEE, FL 32306