Joanne Troxell Black

On March 7th, the Kansas City Chiefs lost their biggest fan when Joanne Troxell Black, of Kansas City, MO passed away. Joanne, also known as Mom, Nana, and the Great Nana, passed away while on her annual birthday celebration with her four children, Allyson Buckland (Larry Kahler), Van Black, Paula Pittman (Dave) and Leslie (Bob) Pontello. This annual event was one of the highlights of her year which was a tradition started after the death of her husband, Jim in 1991.

Family came first for Joanne. She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Brent Buckland and his wife Stacy and children, Cal, Caden and Sela; Ryan Buckland and his wife Becky and daughter, Ellie; Jamie and JD Pittman, and Lauren and Lindsay Pontello.

The only child of Alice and Paul Troxell, she was born and raised in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and lived with her aunt Dorie Harris Sims who was like a sister to her. Her college career was disrupted when she and Jim eloped. While they thought they could keep this a secret while they both finished college, their secret got out.

Jim and Joanne settled on Lost Lake in southern New Jersey and raised their family there. Joanne spent many years as a permanent substitute and librarian at Eastern High School. In 1979, Jim and Joanne moved to Kansas City where Joanne was the Property Manager of Wau-lin-cree apartments for decades. It was here where they made a new home surrounded by many wonderful friends and neighbors. Joanne’s children are forever grateful for all of the support these friends have provided over the years.

Joanne loved the KC Chiefs and a good Cosmopolitan. She loved to entertain. She loved a good bargain. She loved life and laughter. She loved people and could strike up a conversation with anyone she ran into usually talking about her family. She loved her family and valued any time they could spend together. We will miss her terribly.

A celebration of Joanne’s life will take place on Saturday, March 18th from 3pm to 5pm at the Wau-lin-cree clubhouse at 4335 NW Line Creek Road, KC. Please come to share your fond memories and stories of Joanne. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choosing, or the American Cancer Society, in her memory.