Joanne Kathryn Denham

She was born in Waterloo, Iowa, to Danish immigrants, Louis A. Jensen and Ana K. Jensen. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Robert and Allen, and her sisters, Helen Carpenter and Evelyn Stumme.

Joanne is survived by her loving sons, Scott M. Jessen of Dallas, TX, Larry D. Jessen of Dallas, TX, and Frank W. McLendon of Edmond, OK. She took great pride in her grandchildren—Janae’ Jessen Mobly, Katherine Jessen Pool, Caroline Jessen Godwin, Elise McLendon, Mitchell McLendon, and Julia McLendon. Her great-grandchildren, Maisyn Mobly, Blakely Mobly, and Bailey Godwin, brought her immense joy.

She graduated from West High School in Waterloo and continued her education with business classes at the University of Northern Iowa. Joanne went on to work as a dental assistant in an oral surgery o`ice and later served as a business manager, running payroll at William Carey College in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She had a strong work ethic and was proud of both her career and the life she built.

Over the course of her life, Joanne was married to Mike, Frank, and Hardy, all of whom preceded her in death. Each relationship shaped her in meaningful ways. Mike, the father of Scott and Larry. Frank Jr. the father of Frank lll.

Joanne spent much of her adult life in Mississippi. In 2018, she moved to Dallas to be closer to her children and made her home at Highland Springs, where she formed close friendships and enjoyed daily co`ee and dinners with her community.

Joanne had a lifelong love of music, beginning piano lessons at the age of five. As a young woman, she performed classical music in piano competitions, demonstrating a natural gift and the ability to play both by sheet music and by ear. She continued to play throughout her life and later shared her talent through church music, swing bands, and for her family’s enjoyment. Her faith was an important part of her life. She was an active church member—playing the organ, singing in the choir, and teaching Sunday school classes.

She found joy in working in her yard, crocheting, reading, and cooking for those she loved— especially her Danish kringle and her famous “Bars.” She also loved puzzles, including sudoku and crosswords, which kept her mind sharp as a tack until the very end. Joanne enjoyed playing games and was known to be both competitive and clever.

She cherished time with her family, whether playing cards with her boys, cheering on sports of all kinds, or gathering at the lake for holidays and weekends filled with fishing, boat rides, and laughter. Joanne was also a steady source of advice and guidance. She willingly shared her perspective and served as a trusted sounding board, drawing from her wealth of life experience.

Above all, Joanne – known as Mom and Nana – will be remembered for her steady love, her kindness, her determination, and her meticulous nature, along with her unwavering commitment to making each day meaningful and productive. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.