Joanne was born to Merle and Mable Chalker of Grand Blanc, MI. She graduated from Grand Blanc High School and DuPont Institute. While at high school she was on the girls’ basketball team. Girls were only allowed to play half court games because “girls didn't have the stamina for full court”. If you knew Joanne you knew she had a problem with that way of thinking. After high school she played on many women's softball teams in the Lansing/Holt area. She and her first husband moved to East Lansing in their early marriage so that Bill could go to MSU on the G.I. Bill. They lived in the married housing Quonset huts which were located in the present day parking area of the football stadium. They settled in Holt.
Joanne was married to Wm “Bill” Wadsworth in 1950 and had three daughters; Wendy (Bob) Green, Joy (Glen) Coverdell, Lori Wadsworth. She was grandmother to Jacob Green, Amanda Frederick, Erin Dawley, Megan Goff, Paige and Jenna Rivera, and 7 great-grandchildren. Joanne married her 2nd husband Wm “Paul” Ferguson in 1981. Paul had three children; Michael (Judy) Ferguson, Mark Ferguson (deceased), and Ann (John) Symonds. Joanne was grandmother to Jason, Kevin and Katie Ferguson, Paul and Travis Ferguson, Erin Symonds and 12 great-grandchildren.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, brother Marvin (Vivienne) Chalker, 1st husband Wm. Wadsworth (1980), 2nd husband Wm. Paul Ferguson (2009) and numerous Wadsworth brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Joanne retired from the State of Michigan where she worked in the Insurance Bureau and Licensing and Regulations departments. She was a volunteer for the Red Cross and Meals on Wheels.
She traveled the US from shore to shore. Highlights being catching a trophy halibut in Alaska and snorkeling the Cayman Islands and the Florida Keys. She enjoyed Motor Home travel and camping.
Our family would like to thank Ingham County Medical Care Facility for their compassionate care of Mom.
There will be no services. Those desiring to may make contributions to The American Cancer Society.
Family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Mason, Michigan.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grbdmason.com for the Ferguson family.
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