Joan L. St. Clair

Joan (Jo Ann) Lewis St. Clair was born at home on May 10, 1932, in Liberty Hill, Texas to Ava Bea and V.B. Lewis. Surrounded by her family on February 13th, 2022, Joan was reunited with the love of her life– her husband of 37 years, B.D. (Bill) St. Clair preceded her in death by over 30 years. Joan loved being a wife and mother, and was famous for her lavish Thanksgiving dinners, hosting 50 plus family members and friends.

Joan lived in or near Austin her entire life. She did her early schoolwork by kerosene lantern and didn’t have indoor plumbing until her teens. Picking cotton and milking cows were among her childhood chores. Joan and her little sister Gaynell (Punkin) played trombone in the Elgin High School band. Joan loved snow and water skiing, tennis, bowling, and softball. She was once recognized as “The World’s Best Scorekeeper” for her scorekeeping efforts at the Kneble baseball field in West Austin.

Joan loved Longhorn football, attending games with Bill for decades. They also enjoyed dancing at Donn’s Depot and the Coupland Dance Hall. Never one for mobile phones, Joan was often at her computer reading mail and playing card games. She frequented the Vegas slot machines, as it was her favorite way to celebrate her birthday. Joan was an accomplished seamstress and created many beautiful quilts by hand. A determined gardener, Joan was just as comfortable with a chainsaw as she was with a needle and thread. She was as talented as any situation required, and never met a stranger. She is adored and will be greatly missed by all.

Joan is survived by her children and their spouses Steve and Effie, Shawn and Christine, Suzanne and Keith, and Clay and Sara, eleven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 19th at 10:00 am at Austin Memorial Park, 2800 Hancock Drive, Austin, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Magnolia Hospice or your favorite charity.