JoAnn Marie Peters

A lifelong resident of Shawnee, JoAnn was born March 13, 1931, to J.L. and Myrtle Taylor. She lived and went to school at South Rock Creek and worked behind the candy counter at S.H. Kress while attending Shawnee High School. Upon graduation in 1948, JoAnn worked briefly for Southwestern Bell Telephone as an operator before finding her niche in finance, first with a private loan company and later for the Pottawatomie County Treasure’s Office, where she retired as a Deputy Treasurer with more than 20 years of service.

JoAnn lived a full life outside of work as well. She taught a girl’s Sunday school class at Rock Creek Baptist Church, where she was a member for 70 years. She enjoyed gathering with friends, whether informally for lunch or as a member of the Red Hat Society and Bunko parties. JoAnn liked to travel and read. She took pride in her well tended home and garden. Most especially, she loved being in the midst of family and hosted many family dinners, both large reunions and small gatherings. JoAnn was a fabulous cook; if members of family were pressed to name her specialty, each would likely offer a different offer.

JoAnn is survived by the love of her life, her husband of 61 years, Bobby; son Michael and wife Judy of Shawnee and son James Patrick of San Antonio, Texas; loving grandchildren, Charity, Mike, Courtney, Roy, Andy, Jacob and Eric; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Colton, Kailynn, Kinsey and Grace; brother, Bob Taylor and wife Georgia; sister-in-law, Wanda Taylor; sister, Luetta White and husband Larry; brother-in-law, J.R Peters and wife Freda; sister-in-law, Corine Chrz and husband Bill; sisters-in-law, Maurine Berry and Helen Peters; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate JoAnn’s life will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010, at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel in Shawnee.

Contributions may be made in JoAnn’s memory at Rock Creek Baptist church, 44900 Hardesty Rd. Shawnee, OK 74801.Arrangements under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home, Shawnee, OK.