JoAnn Derrick

JoAnn Homer Derrick passed peacefully in her sleep early in the morning on March 19, 2022, in Austin, Texas surrounded by family. She was born on Oct. 28, 1932, to parents Sarah Estelle and Joseph Richard Homer in McAlester, OK. She grew up in the home of her parents and loving grandparents Jennie and Jesse Brewen. A beautiful, spirited child that grew into a beautiful, spirited young woman, she travelled Europe on her own after high school. She met Bill Derrick in Tulsa, and the two wed in 1957. Married 58 years until Bill’s passing, they raised three children and were proud grandparents to six more.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, and her granddaughter Allison Anderson. She is survived by daughter Dana Anderson, former son-in-law Scott Anderson, granddaughter Jacqueline Anderson; son Roger and wife Karen Derrick, granddaughters Kara and Lauren Derrick; and daughter Melinda Guthrie and grandchildren Chase and Grant Guthrie.

JoAnn enjoyed a career in education administration in several Texas school districts. One of the world’s greatest natural-born storytellers, she never let too many facts ruin a good tale. She had a wicked sense of humor, a legendary green thumb, and a fierce and unwavering love for family and friends.

A visitation for JoAnn will be held Wednesday, March 23, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78752. There will be a graveside service at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, TX on Saturday, March 26 at 1:00 p.m.

Special thanks go to the extraordinary staff and caretakers at Brookdale North Austin who went above and beyond in caring for, loving and being good friends with Mom. Thanks also to Brookdale Hospice who transformed the last weeks into something very special.

There won’t be others like you, Mom. Thank you. We love you more.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Derrick family.