JoAnn Johnson Samsel

Alice Jo Ann Johnson Samsel, 78, of Austin, was called to be with her beloved heavenly father on June 23, 2021. Known to friends and family as Ann, she was born in 1943 and raised in Kenedy, Texas. Ann grew up on a dairy farm, spending much of her childhood working on the farm. She graduated from Pawnee High School where she played basketball and was in 4-H where she showed cows. She met the love of her life, Eugene Samsel in the 7th grade. In 1962 Ann and Eugene got married, moved to Austin, began the journey of raising their three children - Brenda, Kevin and Jason. Ann made her career as a public servant, working for the Internal Revenue Service for over 30 years, spending the last 10 years as a manager in the fraud investigation unit.

Ann had an unconditional love for her family, baking, sewing, gardening and above all else, God. Family was the center of all of Ann’s activities, including spending time with her children and their families, particularly enjoying the joy of her five grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. She was well known for her homemade birthday cakes, treats, and especially her “health cookies”. She was an amazing seamstress and created and altered clothing for so many people throughout the years. Ann had a love of all kinds of sports, and always enjoyed giving a “Hook ‘em” while watching her beloved Longhorns. Ann was a long-time member of Redeemer Lutheran Church where she was active in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, bible study and often provided support for church members when they needed it most. She truly lived a life of faith and love, always remaining positive in thought, word and deed, yet humble in prayer.

Ann is preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Eugene Samsel of Pawnee, TX; parents Einard and Alice Johnson of Kenedy, TX; brother Gene Johnson of Kenedy, TX; sister-in-law Ginger Johnson of Kenedy, TX, and brother-in-law Donn Brooks of Kyle, TX. She is survived by her daughter Brenda Patterson of Liberty Hill, TX; son Kevin Samsel and wife Tracy of Walburg, TX; son Jason Samsel and wife Rachel of Manor, TX; her sister Betty Brooks of Kyle, TX; and brother Ervin Johnson of Kennedy. She is also survived by her 5 grandchildren, Justin Patterson and wife Casey of Fredricktown, MO; Kayla (Lindsay) Buckler and husband Jared of Richmond, TX; Mason (Samsel) Self and husband Ely of Brownwood, TX; Hunter Lindsay of Fort Worth, TX; and Lacey Patterson of Leander, TX; as well as two great-granddaughters Blayke and Kennedy. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and life-long friends. She will be greatly missed by her “Little Sweetheart” Mandy.

Visitation Services will be held from 6 to 8 pm on Friday, June 25, 2021 at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday June 26, 2021 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1500 W Anderson Lane, Austin, Texas, immediately followed by a graveside interment service at Palm Valley Lutheran Church Cemetery, 2500 E. Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church.