She was born October 4, 1931 in Battiest, Oklahoma to Elic and Willie (Westbrook) Rupe. JoAnn was a life-long member of the Church of Christ and attended faithfully in the various locations her life took her. JoAnn’s life was always guided by her deep love of the Lord and her unwavering Christian faith. While attending church in Glendale, Arizona in 1947 she met her forever love, Dwayne Lee. They married on March 4, 1950, and went on to spend 74 wonderful years together. Dwayne’s military career included assignments in Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Germany and Alaska, they enjoyed every moment of their travels together.
She is survived by her husband Dwayne and their 7 children, Gary Lee (Ramona), Scott Lee (Kat), Anita Lee, Dean Lee (Tess), Fred Lee, Donna Anderson, Zane Lee,15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She brought so much joy and love to each of their lives. JoAnn loved her family deeply and never missed a chance to bake a birthday cake, sew a quilt or cheer at a ballgame, swim meet or band performance one of her children or grandchildren were participating in. She loved the flowers her husband grew and picked for her and watching the birds that nested in her yard (especially the cardinals). She had the kindest spirit and was a major source of joy and a beautiful Christian example to us all. She will be dearly missed but her wisdom and selflessness will live on in our hearts. She will be loved and remembered always.
Visitation will be Tuesday September 10 at Griffin Leggett Funeral Home from 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 11 at 10:30 am at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home followed by burial at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery
Serving as pallbearers are Fred Lee, Gary Lee, Scott Lee, Dean Lee, Zane Lee and Ian Lee.
