Joan Cantrell

Joan Cantrell was born on June 4, 1927 in Dallas, Texas. She died on January 1, 2015 at the age of 87. She was the fourth of six children born to Joe and Beulah Freeman. She attended Sunset High School in Dallas, Hardin Simmons University in Abilene and received a Masters in Religious Education from Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. She taught elementary school in Eliasville, Texas and later was the Director of the Headstart children’s programs in Henrietta, TX. She was an artist, a seamstress and creative writer of stories and plays. For several years she also taught adult literacy in Oak Cliff. She was active in her local church teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and giving direction to both women’s and missions activities. Most recently she was a member of Grace Temple Baptist Church in Dallas. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and one brother along with her son Ronald Cantrell. She is survived by a sister, Nell Sandberg of Plano and a brother Joe Freeman of California. She is also survived by her daughter Karen and her husband Ken Krause of Arlington, her son Norman and his wife Vickie Cantrell of Lawton, OK, a grandson Lee and his wife Melodie Cantrell of Edmond, OK and their son Ezra, a grand daughter Hannah and her husband Chip Howard of Oklahoma City, a granddaughter Gaelen Cantrell of Lawton, OK. Joan loved decorating for events, supporting missions activities and encouraging people with cards and letters. She often cared for the needs of others and had a servant heart. She was known for her energy and spunk. She was devoted to studying the Bible and prayer. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalms 4:8 NIV)