JoAnn was born to Mitsuko Akamine and Richard Gunter in Naha, Okinawa, Japan, on March 22, 1959 and lived there her first two years. She was the oldest of nine and after losing her mother at the age of ten, naturally assumed a passionately protective role for her younger sisters and brothers. JoAnn spent most of her upbringing in northwestern Indiana. She was very involved in numerous activities and organizations while at North Newton High School, graduating in 1977. Shortly after, JoAnn moved to Austin, Texas, to pursue her education. She worked full time and put herself through the University of Texas Nursing School earning a Bachelor of Science of Nursing in 1985. It was then that she gave birth to her first son, Nate. In 1986, JoAnn had a second son, Trenton. She served as head nurse at Travis Children’s Clinic, later Bee Cave Pediatrics, and then worked at East Austin Health Clinic beginning in 1992. A few years later she became a school nurse with assignments at Crockett and then Bowie High Schools, and eventually did substituting for the entire school district. In all of her places of employment, JoAnn was well loved by her coworkers and patients alike. Throughout her career as a nurse she also trained and certified numerous professionals in CPR and first aid.
JoAnn was predeceased by her beloved mother, Mitsuko Akamine, and father, Richard Gunter. She leaves behind her loving and dedicated husband of thirty years, Andrew, as well as her children, Nate, Trenton, Ariel (Tommie), Colin, and Chloe, and granddaughters Lily and Daisy Jo. She also leaves behind her sisters, Charlene (Randy) and Karen (John), and her brothers, Richard (Linda), Dawayne, Dawight (Gail), Charlie, David (Natasha), and Matthew (Michelle).
Everyone who met JoAnn loved her. With an incredible spirit and kind heart people were drawn to her. She always lit up the room and had a beautiful smile. Rarely has someone managed to live a life so purposeful and fulfilling as did she. JoAnn never forgot her Okinawan heritage through her involvement with the Austin Okinawa Tomonokai, performing traditional and contemporary dance and taiko drumming. She also loved to travel and fulfilled many of her dreams to see the world. Other hobbies and activities included pilates, oil painting, stained glass, and her biggest love, finding the greatest stuff at the thrift shop.
She was a member of the Bosom Buddies and Pink Pilates as well as other cancer support groups. With an open heart she would comfort and counsel others, lending her experience and wisdom from her seventeen-year walk with breast cancer. She opened the doors of her home and created her own support group for those who had none.
Throughout it all, JoAnn continues to be an amazing inspiration to all. Her light will forever shine so brightly.
A celebration of life memorial service for JoAnn will be held Saturday, February 12, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 411 Ranch Road 620 South, Lakeway, TX 78734.
There will be a Live Stream of the service, the link will be available at a later date on our website.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishlaketravis.com for the Sackett family.
