Joan J. Culver

Joan Joy Johnson (Mrs. Joe Culver) was born into her earthly life in her great-grandmother’s home in Yoakum, Texas, on November 15, 1934. She departed for her heavenly life on June 23, 2025. Her parents, William Carlton and Bess Louise Baker Johnson, pre-deceased her in 1978.

Joan was married to Joe Culver, her dearly beloved husband and best friend of 59 years, until his death on May 27, 2012. She is survived by their three children, Joseph Howard (Jay) Culver, Jr. and his wife Merling, Kendall Blake Culver and his wife Tamara, and Karen Louann Culver Baldwin and her husband Lee Baldwin. The lights of her life are her three grandchildren who also survive her: Sara Joy (and husband Drew), Lauren, and Joseph Cole (and wife Hayley). She is also survived by her special step-grandchildren Anthonny, Alex, Nicole (and husband Heath), Mallory, and Avery. In addition, she leaves behind her precious sister, Bethel Johnson Taft and her husband Ken Taft and their family; the family of her deceased sister, Carlon Johnson Dyess; her dear aunt, Edna Ware; as well as countless other family and friends.

Joan lived in Austin almost all of her life, attending Mathews Elementary, Allan Jr. High, and Stephen F. Austin High School, graduating in 1952. She married Joe, also a native Austinite, in 1953 and raised their family in the home they built on Pecos Street, with their children attending Casis Elementary, O’Henry Jr. High, and S.F. Austin High School.

After raising their family, she started college at age 50 and graduated from St. Edward’s University in May 1987. She went on to get her Master of Science in Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin in May 1995 at the age of 60. At UT, she was one of 90 students on the entire UT-Austin campus elected to “Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges” in 1994-95.

Joan was appointed to the State Board of Social Worker Examiners (SBSWE) by then Governor George W. Bush in March 1998. She served as Chair of the Ethics Committee of SBSWE for four years before becoming Chair of the Board, appointed by Governor Rick Perry in 2002.

During her years in counseling practice, she was a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists. In 2005, she was certified as a Board Diplomate in Clinical Social Work the top credential a social worker can achieve. She felt a calling to counseling and cared deeply for those who entrusted her with their concerns.

At an early age, Joan gave her heart to Christ. Throughout her young years, she attended what was then West Austin Baptist Church at West 12th and Elm Streets. When she and Joe married in 1953, she became a member of First Southern Presbyterian Church (now Central Presbyterian Church), where she served as a Deacon, the first woman Elder, Clerk of the Session, and President of the Women of the Church. She served on various committees of the Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church and was a Board member of Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly. In August 2014, she transferred her membership to Westminster Presbyterian Church.

In the past, Joan served as a Board Member of the Samaritan Counseling Center and was a member of the Information and Education Committee of People's Community Clinic. She was a member of the Local Selective Service Board from 1981 to 2001 and chaired one of the local boards for 10 years. She was also a Board Member of Mathews Elementary School Fund for Excellence, Austin Mental Health Association, and Extend-a-Care of Austin. In 2012, she was inducted into the Mathews School Hall of Honor.

Joan’s middle name was Joy, and a more appropriate name could not have been given to her. She found joy in her marriage, in her children and grandchildren, in her extended family, in her friendships, in her spiritual journey, and in her everyday life. She may be gone from us physically, but her spirit will live with us forever-"JOY TO THE WORLD."

There will be no formal visitation. A service will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Exposition Boulevard. You are invited to come early and listen to some of Joan’s favorite music and stay after for a reception following the service. The Rev. Bill Clark will conduct the service. Following the service, her ashes will be laid to rest next to her soulmate, Joe, in Austin Memorial Park Cemetery in their special spot with her parents and grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a cause dear to her heart the Joseph Howard Culver Endowed Presidential Scholarship, c/o University Development Office, The University of Texas at Austin.

To share your memories of Joan and your condolences to the family, you may visit www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com