Sarah Joan Ter Poorten

Joanie was born January 5, 1950 in Orange, Texas and was a longtime resident of Houston. She graduated from Lutcher Stark High School in Orange. She earned a B.S. in Education from the University of Texas Austin, as well as a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Houston Clear Lake. She retired from Alief ISD as a Senior Counselor after 50 years in education.

Joanie was a devoted member of Chapelwood United Methodist Church. She enjoyed a long membership in Newcomers & Neighbors of Greater Houston (Treasurer), the Houston Ski Club, and regularly attended lectures at the Women’s Institute of Houston.

Joanie was a true adventurer. From missionary service in Kenya, a trip to the Great Wall of China, and extensive travel with her husband, Arie, she traveled the world and made lifelong friends. She was also an avid 42 player and loved her book club (Chairman). She had great fun with her Weight Watchers group- she and her 5 friends always treating themselves to lunch after their weekly meeting.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Lillian Osbourn. She leaves behind her loving husband Arie; sister Karin (Jack) Hollis of Houston; sister-in-law, Marti Hedemann of Houston; Cynthia, Andrew, Jacob, and Allison Henry of Clearwater, Florida; Christina Ter Poorten of Houston; Ellen and Krista Hollis of Houston; Janie Jones of Nederland; Jennifer and Maddie Warren of Austin; and her loving caregiver, Denise Jackson of Houston.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Joanie’s name to the Houston Food Bank or Chapelwood United Methodist Church.