JoAnn Williams, age 79, formerly of Modesto and Escalon, passed away in her home in Houma, Louisiana on February 9, 2018 surrounded by her loving family and friends. She is survived by her daughter Suzanne Vrh Garrett; Kerrie Williams Redmond and husband Reggie; and her son, Mike Vrh. JoAnn is also survived by her grandchildren including: Mary Garrett; Megan, Ian, and Christopher Redmond; Lily and Camellia Vrh; as well as her two great-grandchildren Henry and Elizabeth Jackson. She was preceded in death by her mother Mildred Jorgensen and her step-father Pete Jorgensen; her daughter, Wendy Williams; and her son, Anthony Vrh.
JoAnn was born on September 29, 1938 in Turlock, California. Raised in South Dakota during childhood, JoAnn returned to California as a young woman, where she would marry and raise her family. She worked for many years as an office manager and bookkeeper for Rettig Brothers Inc. After retirement, she moved to the South to be closer to her children and grandchildren in Louisiana and North Carolina. JoAnn’s need to stay busy would lead to a short retirement, and soon after moving to Louisiana, she began working for Terrebonne General Medical Center in the Woman’s Health Center, for the last 10 years. JoAnn was loved by many and always willing to be a listening ear. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she held many special callings of service over the years. She shared her incredible life stories and journey, helping others to work through their own challenges. If there was anything lovely and beautiful, she sought after it. She was an amazing artist, gardener and had talent for anything that involved creativity, including knitting, embroidery and scrapbooking. She loved to read, enjoyed the theater and traveling which took her to countries such as Egypt, England, France and Scotland. JoAnn loved laughing and spending time with family, friends, and her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
JoAnn’s beautiful eyes were always bright, even up to the end of her journey; and her timeless smile could light up the spirit of all those who had the privilege of meeting it. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. The family would like to thank Dr. Russell Henry for his kind and compassionate care; and the sensitive staff from Haydel Memorial Hospice for their attentive care and empathy towards JoAnn and her family. JoAnn’s family would also like to express their never-ending gratitude for the love, prayers, food and service of all their friends and family. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Hwy. 311 in Houma on Thursday, February 15, 2018 beginning at 10 a.m.
JoAnn will be laid to rest in her native city of Modesto, California. Chauvin Funeral Home is honored to serve JoAnn and her family.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Feb. 14, 2018