Joann Kirsch

She was born in Tenaha, Texas on October 17, 1938. Jo Ann graduated from Garrison High School and married Paul Gonzales in December of 1957. They were married for 16 years and after their divorce, she married George C. Kirsch who she remained married to until his death in 1992. She was an Executive Administrative Assistant for many years, supporting executives for Dresser Industries and American General (AIG). After retiring from full-time employment, she worked as the Church Secretary for New Day Church (formerly White Oak Baptist Church) where she supported the staff and members with the same love and fervor she raised her family with. JoAnn was a strong woman of faith who loved the Lord with all her heart. Her passion was truly living the Word of God and sharing it with others, whether family, friends, or complete strangers - which she didn't meet many of. Everyone she met quickly knew exactly where she stood because of her complete honesty and determination to tell it like it is. Without exception, she was loved for her brutal honesty. Whether scolding one of her daughters with her stern "Little Lady" comment when they did something they shouldn't have, or her threat to "Get her wooden spoon" after one of the grandkids when they weren't towing the mark, or her very quick response to someone who didn't "yes ma'am" or "no ma'am" when responding to her by telling them "You better get a handle on that", everyone knew 100% she loved them unconditionally, without reservation, as her words were spoken in love. Jo Ann was an active member of New Day Church in Oak Forest (formerly White Oak Baptist Church) since 1974 and taught Sunday School for most of those years, shepherding and leading many people to a closer walk with The Lord. Even in the last 4 weeks she spent in ICU at Memorial Hermann Greater Heights, her love, joy and kindness were felt by the staff.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil I. Goodman and Birdie Lorene Patterson Goodman, her sister Wylma Rae Goodman Hudgins, and her husband George C. Kirsch, Sr. She is survived by her daughters Sonya L. Gonzales Reeves and husband Bryan, and Sheila L. Gonzales Startz and husband Charles, grandchildren: Jennifer L Reeves, Thomas L. Reeves, Darren M. Startz, Blake M. Startz, and Brett D. Startz, great-grandkids: Shane W. Nolen, and Brynn L Vavra and husband Sloane, niece Rohte Winthrop and nephew Randy Hudgins.

A memorial service will be held at a future date, in lieu of flowers please make a donation to New Day Church in Oak Forest in Jo Ann's honor.

JoAnn, fondly known as Mimi by grandkids and friends of grandkids alike, leaves behind a legacy of faith, love and family which will live on in the family she inspired so much.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.