Joanne Behrends

Joanne Behrends, of Roswell, Georgia, passed away at 85 years of age on Thursday, July 19, 2018. She was born in Omaha, Nebraska on May 26, 1933. Her parents were Dr. John Francis Showalter and Alvina Anne (Selk) Showalter. Joanne and her parents later moved to Richmond, Virginia. After graduation from High School in Richmond, Joanne attended and graduated from George Washington University. Joanne married Louis Behrends at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia, on June 30, 1956.

Most of Joanne’s life was spent in Peoria, Illinois, where her husband engaged in the practice of law. Joanne was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. She was active in many Peoria community charitable and civic organizations, frequently serving as an officer or board member. She enjoyed walking and sunning on the ocean beach in Florida. She was a kind, thoughtful, and helpful person with an infectious laugh. She made friends easily and showed genuine concern for others.

Joanne was an active member of Kappa Delta sorority. She served terms of office as a member of the Board of Directors of the Kappa Delta Foundation, as National Director of Philanthropy, and as National Director of Chapter Advisory Boards. She has, over the years, served Kappa Delta in many other positions of service and leadership. She was awarded the Kappa Delta Order of the Emerald, an award given to those who have made outstanding contributions to Kappa Delta. Joanne was instrumental in the efforts that resulted in the addition of the Eta Beta chapter of Kappa Delta to the roster of Bradley University sororities. She was deeply involved in the planning and execution of the renovation and furnishing of the building which became the Eta Beta chapter house.

The course of Joanne’s life was dramatically altered In March of 2002 when she was struck by a pick-up truck as she was walking to her car in a small shopping center in Cocoa Beach, Florida. She suffered severe permanent injuries and disabilities. For the remaining 16 years of her life she maintained a strong and determined desire to live and strived to enjoy life to the extent possible even though her health problems increased in number and progressively worsened. She never lost her positive attitude or her concern and compassion for the problems of others.

Joanne is survived by her husband, to whom she was married for 62 years, by their three daughters, Jennifer Mautz (the late Jeffrey) of Roswell, Juli Behrends of Orlando, Florida, and Jodi Wallace (Jim) of Alpharetta, Georgia, and by their grandchild, Jimmy Wallace, also of Alpharetta. Joanne was preceded in death by her parents.

Burial was in the Greenlawn Cemetery in Roswell on July 24, 2018. Following Visitation, a Memorial Service officiated by Reverend Dr. Tom Davis was held in the Chapel of the Roswell United Methodist Church.

Condolences can be mailed to the family at the following address:

F. Louis Behrends

c/o Ms. J. B. Mautz

4651 Woodstock Road Suite#208 Roswell, GA 30075

Memorial contributions may be made to Kappa Delta Foundation, to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Inc., or to such other charity as donor may choose.