Joan Journey

Joan Journey (nee Darbonne), 89, died peacefully at her Berwick, Louisiana, home on June 7, 2024. Joan was born on December 23, 1934, in Oberlin, Louisiana, the daughter of Elmer and Bertha (Guillory) Darbonne and sister to 11 siblings. She was happily married to her beloved surviving husband, Clifford Journey, for 66 years. Joan was a loving, nurturing mother and is survived by her 6 children, Catherine Siracusa (Sammy), Celeste Journey (Karen Christiansen), Steve Journey (CynDee), Robert Journey (Julie, since passed), Susan Journey (Ray Villeneuve), and Laura Journey, and 7 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, siblings, John E., Francis Vidrine and Richard.Joan was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Coleman, Clarence, George, Robert, Charles, Willa Mae LeJeune, Emma Lou Douglas and Patrick.

After graduating from Oberlin High School in 1952, Joan attended Louisiana State University. After their marriage, Joan and Clifford raised their 6 children in the Berwick and Morgan City area. After the children were grown, they spent time in New Orleans and New York, finally retiring to Fairhope, Alabama, where she was an active member of the St. Lawrence Catholic church and volunteer at the local hospital. In 2017, she moved back to Berwick to be close to her family.

Besides devoting her life to being a wonderful mother, Joan was a devout Catholic, an avid bridge club member, and a kind and generous community and church volunteer throughout her life. Throughout her blessed life, Joan loved the simple things that her life brought. She loved her husband, gardening, children and grandchildren, and bridge. Her favorite routine at the end of the day was to sit in her backyard enjoying the birds and flowers while sipping a glass of wine "Joy Juice" with family or friends.

Funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at the St. Stephens Catholic Church, located at 3217 2nd St, Berwick, LA 70342. Wake will be held from 8:30am to 10 a.m. in the Parish Hall, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. next door in the church. Burial will be at St. Joseph Mausoleum, located at 1011 1st St, Patterson, LA 70392. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials may be sent to St. Stephens Catholic Church.