Joanna Carol Goodloe Ferrell was born March 2, 1934 in Waco, Texas to parents James Jetton Goodloe and Audrey Bowles Goodloe of Mt. Calm, Texas. Joanna passed from this life on September 4, 2018. She was home surrounded by her sister, Pam Alcala, daughter, Audrey, and granddaughter, Shirley Joanna.
Joanna grew up in Mt. Calm, Texas and graduated with honors from Mt. Calm High School where she played basketball and was a cheerleader. As a child she professed her faith and belief in Jesus Christ as her personal savior and served in the music ministry of First Baptist Church Mt. Calm by playing the piano and singing.
As a young woman she played piano for Hill County area revivals throughout the countryside, growing her love and experience in church music, which would be an integral component of her adult life. Many fond memories were forged with Martha Ferrell Neilson and Alyce Jane Smallwood Chamblee as they worked on special music together.
Joanna graduated from Baylor University where she sang in the university choir.
On June 5, 1954, she married William Jack Ferrell in the newly rebuilt sanctuary of First Baptist Church Mt. Calm followed by a wedding reception in the Goodloe home. She lost Jack after 61 years of marriage. During their last few years they enjoyed their Bedrock Ranch in Junction, Texas.
While living in Killeen, Texas Joanna and Jack raised their two daughters, Audrey and Mary Ellen. Joanna started with Sherry Kelley Herberger as her first piano student, thus beginning a 40 year career as a classical piano teacher. She also played piano for Skyline Baptist Church, Killeen, during this period.
After the family moved to Austin, Texas in 1972, Joanna continued teaching classical piano, taking students to many music festivals and competitions.
Joanna and Jack held their church membership with First Baptist Church Austin and participated in the Concordance Sunday School Class, enjoying deep friendships there.
Joanna was a guest pianist at Walnut Creek Baptist Church, Austin, accompanying her daughter, Audrey for special music.
In other areas of her life, Joanna participated in the CPA Wives Club, earning the President's position after serving in several other capacities. She also was the music teacher for preschooler's through the Austin Parks and Recreation Department in the Hancock location. For many years she served as a monitor for piano competitions held in The University of Texas School of Music.
As a long-time resident of Austin, Texas, Joanna was blessed to watch many children grow up and to cultivate many friendships including, Julia N. Rae, and daughters Margot and Marisa.
Joanna is survived by sister, Pam Alcala; sister-in-law, Sue Goodloe; daughters, Audrey and her children Shirley Joanna and Clayton Goodloe; Mary Ellen and her husband Lester, and children Eleanor and Clara. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, including Nanette Neilson and Jacob Alcala and great niece, Avah Rose Alcala.
Visitation will start at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 8, 2018 in the Chapel of Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home in Austin, Texas, followed by services at 10:00 a.m., conducted by Dr. Doug Keenan of First Baptist Church of Austin. Burial will be at Austin Memorial Park on Hancock Drive.
Serving as pallbearers will be: Marc Garcia, Pal Sculley, Jimmy Chipman, Bill Cain, Joe Kelley and Pat Kelley.
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