Joanne Williams

Joanne was born on July 12, 1928 in Shreveport, LA. to Edward and Florence Best. Raised in Shreveport, she attended Jewella elementary school, St. Vincent’s Academy, and graduated from Fair Park High School. Shortly after graduation, Joanne began working as an operator for Southern Bell. While working there she went on a blind date with a young soldier named Doug Williams who was home on leave. They hit it off at once, began corresponding, fell in love and were married on November 30, 1947.

In 1954, Joanne and Doug moved their young family to Longview, Texas and made it their home. They immediately joined St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and both became very active members. Joanne joined Catholic Daughters, court of Anna Callahan and served in various capacities for over 55 years, including Grand Regent. Joanne and Doug also participated in the Couples Bible Study group where they formed great friendships and enjoyed fun and fellowship with these friends for many years.

Joanne was a member of ABWA in Longview and was also an avid bridge player. She was a member of various bridge clubs for over 50 years. As a longtime resident of Longview, she had many friends who loved her delightful sense of humor, keen wit, and willingness to help those in need. Joanne stayed busy raising a big family, but as her children grew older she also worked outside the home. She worked for Sears in downtown Longview as a PBX operator for a number of years and then worked for LISD at several elementary schools before retiring.

Joanne was the matriarch of a large family and loved having her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren around her, especially during the holidays. The family became so large that it was not unusual for there to be more than 50 family members in attendance at the annual Thanksgiving Day dinner. She enjoyed sitting on the front porch in her rocking chair, watching the birds at her bird feeder, and talking with family members and friends who dropped by for a visit. Joanne’s sense of humor kept her kids and grandkids in stiches as she regaled them with funny or scary stories. They were always wondering what zany or outrageous things she would say or do next.

Joanne was preceded in death by her mother Florence in 1948, her father Edward Best, stepmother Mary, her infant sister Mary Catherine, and infant brother Joseph, and by her brothers Thomas, Robert, James, and Daniel, all of Shreveport, LA. and by her brother Jerry of Henderson, TX. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Doug Williams of Longview, TX; by son Mike and wife Theresa of Trophy Club, TX; son Pat and wife Dianna; daughter Mary Kay; daughter Theresa Ann and husband Robert Walker; and son Paul, all of Longview, TX; and by son Tim and wife Kim of Hallsville, TX. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Rosary will be held in the chapel of Lakeview Funeral Home in Longview on Friday, November 10, 2017, from 5:00 – 5:30 PM., with visitation following from 5:30 -7:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church on Saturday, November 11, 2017, at 1:30 PM with interment to follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Joanne’s seven grandsons, Kevin Williams, Chris Williams, Blane Williams, Kyle Williams, Brandon Gleason, Ryan Walker, and Joe Williams.

The family would like to thank the staff and nurses of Traditions HealthCare Hospice for their care and compassion over the past several years, and also the nurses and staff at Whispering Pines Lodge over the past few weeks.