Joan was my American Government teacher at Shawnee Mission North High School in 1967/68.  She was an excellent teacher and helped me in later years while I was attending college (following Vietnam service) in 1973 to develop term paper bibliographies.  She was forthright in all she did.  I was accosted by Dr. Phil McGraw (one of my classmates) in our Homeroom and Joan had to tell him to “sit down” TWICE! When she gave direction it was EXPECTED to be followed!  While in her American Government class, Jim Terry (deceased in 2003) and I engaged her (we were on the State Championship Debate in 1968) in a discussion about military assistance.  Her boyfriend died in Vietnam (of which we were unaware).  Joan was a bit tearful as she explained her boyfriend’s demise.  Jim and I backed off immediately!  I can only offer my condolences to the McCready family.  We’ve posted a Faculty Commemorative Video from 1968 at www.smn68.com for anyone that’s interested.  Joan is included in that video.       

When I met her, I knew that whatever Joan did, she would
do it well.  This was borne out in whatever she attempted,
be it teaching, marrying, or caring for elderly neighbors and  
especially for her family and friends.

This meeting came at a tennis court in Gillham Park, a few
blocks from the home  in which the large Carter family grew up.
Virginia Carter became Virginia Pennington and she and Art
became the parents of Joan Eileen Pennington.

Whether it was as a teacher with the best bulletin boards
at Shawnee Mission West High School, the devoted wife
of Gary McCready, the best neighbor an older person 
could hope for, an astute observer of politics, or as a person
who bravely faced failing health late in her life,
Joan will be remembered as a lady who had a passion for life and people.

Joan was a no-nonsense teacher who taught more than 
history.  She stood for what is right, even if it meant
not accepting a note from the parents of a habitually-
late student.  She told him she would not accept the
note, "even if were from God himself."

Joan will be remembered for a cornucopia of reasons,
but mostly because she was Joan, educator and
humanitarian.

Jim Phillips

We would like to extend our deepest sympathy.  Joan was a good person and she will be missed.

Joan was a great friend to the Campbell Family for 35+ years.  She was always helpful in looking out for Warren and Dorothy who lived across the street.  She and Gary have been the greatest neighbors and always extending help when needed.  Joan was extremely supportive and always interested in the Campbell children and how they were doing throughout their lives.  Joan was a brilliant woman and always had a smile on her face.  We were very lucky to have had some of her brilliance and kindness shine on us.   We love you Joan!

God Speed Joan,
The Campbell Family:  Jim, Debbie, Christy, Matt, Jason, Kiersten, Faith, Sawyer, Jessica, Mike, Destiny, Chase

Joan was such a kind soul and always looked out for all for Campbell kids as well as our families.  She always made it a point to ask how I was doing and make sure I was headed in the right direction.  She was so proud or me when I graduated law school that she gave me her Supreme Court gavel with the following words.  It still sits in my office. You will be dearly missed. 

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Arthur Pennington (deceased)

Virginia Joan (Carter) Pennington (deceased)

Gary McCready

Teri Foster

Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home

Joan McCready

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Joan Eileen McCready

January 2, 1943 – February 6, 2019

Mt. Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home

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