Joel A. Spann was born on October 19, 1929. Her parents, Joseph & Eva Muzik, took the train from Williams Bay, WI, for her delivery at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Chicago, IL. They later purchased their home on Oak Park Avenue, in the Schorsch Village Community, one of the first houses built in the development.
Joel began attending Sunday School at Grace Gospel Tabernacle when she was about 6 years old and continued developing in her faith throughout her life.
Joel attended Josephine Locke Elementary School and Charles P. Steinmetz High School. She enjoyed taking piano, ballet, and tap dancing lessons.
After graduating from Steinmetz, Joel worked as a secretary for an insurance company in downtown Chicago.
Joel married James L. Spann on March 3, 1951 and was married to him until his death on September 10, 2011.
They started their family with a son followed a year later with a daughter when James’ work took the family to New Orleans in 1957. They returned to Chicago two years later and completed their family with another son. A home was purchased at 2925 N. Rutherford Avenue that remained their home together until shortly after her husband’s passing when she relocated to Escondido, California to be closer to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Joel liked to travel and would especially look forward to an annual fishing trip to Leech Lake in Minnesota; she was always hoping to catch THE BIG ONE. She was an avid collector and enjoyed antiquing. She also enjoyed sewing, making quilts and cooking for her family and friends which she was extremely good at. Holidays were always enjoyed by Joel, but especially Christmas. She enjoyed the baking of countless kinds of cookies always meant to be shared and the many gifts to purchase and wrap, sometimes without even using any tape!
She had a great love for her country and served for many years as an election judge. Joel also enjoyed helping children and families by volunteering with ECFA. She also enjoyed doing hair at the Bethesda Retirement Home and in her home.
Joel was a beautiful Christian woman both inside and out. She will be missed here on earth greatly, but we know she is rejoicing in heaven!
Joel passed into eternity on September 16, 2020, in Escondido, CA, surrounded by her loving family. Joel was the beloved wife of the late James L. Spann; loving mother of James Joseph (Patricia) Spann, Jeanine (Don) Bush, and Jonathan (Elissa) Spann; adoring grandmother of Larry Reihl, Kristin (Chris) Leso, Joshua (Karen) Spann; most adoring great-grandmother of Zachery and Mackenzie Leso, and California and James Spann; unforgettable aunt; caring cousin; and fond friend of many.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Evangelical Child and Family Agency, 1530 N. Main Street, Wheaton, IL 60187, or go to www.EVANCFA.org.
