She was born in the Heights area, May 9, 1932 to JD and Tishia Rice Gresham. JoAnn attended Reagan High School until 1950 and then went on to receive her Bachelor of Science for Music Education from the University of Houston. While there she met the love of her life Richard O’Donnell and they were married on May 28, 1955.
JoAnn became the first Music and Arts teacher in Cypress Fairbanks School District then she went on to continue teaching at many schools in HISD, Spring Branch ISD among others. She taught a girls bible study at Memorial Drive Baptist Church and was a church organist there as well. In 1967 she began the best job of her life, that of Mother to Deborah Kay O’Donnell. A few years later to a son John Carl O’Donnell. Her children meant the world to her and she loved being involved in every part of their lives. Exposing them to every kind of music and always being their biggest cheerleader. JoAnn continued to teach piano lessons out of her living room for years and the children would just flock to her and never wanted to leave Mrs. O’Donnell. From teaching English to the Spanish speaking children to helping the homeless and newly relocated students from around the world her mission was the act of loving and giving. She loved everyone and no one was a stranger. She would meet someone and immediately they were her new best friend. She was a member of Houston’s First Baptist choir for many years. A member of HBU Guild and former President of Phi Beta Sorority for the Arts. Her childlike innocence was apparent in the way she treated everyone around her. Which was truly evident when she became Grandmommy to Jeremy and Lacy Tushnet. She was truly an angel that walked among us.
She is survived by her Husband -Richard O’Donnell, Daughter-Deborah Kay O’Donnell, Son- John Carl O’Donnell, Grandson- Jeremy Austin Tushnet and Granddaughter- Lacy Rose Tushnet, and many friends and loved ones. Many thanks to her longtime friend Cheryl Coleman for her love and care and her care takers Abildai Altamirano and Miriam Mejia for all the heartfelt care they provided for our sweet angel.
Funeral arrangements will be held April 15, 2022 at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home. Visitation begins at 10 am with a reception to follow.
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