She was born in Hamilton, Illinois, on May 8, 1934. She married Bergen “Bud” Nelson on September 3, 1953, and remained married until his death in 2017. JoAnne was a homemaker and mother, raising five children and being a foster parent to almost 100 children over the span of 30 years.
She is survived by her children, Debbie Waters of Arlington, TX; Diana Younker of Joplin, MO; Susan Curry of Columbia, Missouri; David Nelson of Columbia, MO; Michael Nelson of Columbia, MO; twelve grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren also survive her.
She is predeceased by her brother, Charles Larkin, and a granddaughter, Stephanie Curry Shelton.
Funeral services will be held privately for family and close friends.
