Joanna Huffaker Parrish

Joanna graduated from Polytechnic High in Fort Worth and attended some college at TCU. Afterwards she held various jobs at different Fort Worth businesses.

Joanna met William (Bill) Parrish in 1955 after being set up on a blind date by a coworker. Marrying the following year, Joanna and Bill were married for 45 years. Joanna and Bill moved to San Antonio in 1964 with their two daughters, Druanne and Kendall. Together they became involved in the city of San Antonio and Comfort, purchasing historic properties, restoring them, and running several businesses.

Joanna was a professional volunteer and philanthropist who dedicated her life to giving back to her community. She believed in the power of service and made a significant impact through her work in various organizations and causes. One of her most beloved roles was as a member of the San Antonio Conservation Society for almost 6 decades. She also served as president for one term and president advisor for many others who would lead the San Antonio Conservation Society. In addition, she served as chairman of Night in Old San Antonio, reintroducing the tradition of the NIOSA rain rock to ward off bad weather. She also served the Fiesta San Antonio Commission for many years, where she introduced the first official Fiesta pin, established the first volunteer-run Fiesta store, held the first design competition for the official poster of Fiesta, served as the Centennial Coordinator, and was a long-standing member of the Battle of the Flowers Association.

Understanding the importance of the history and heritage that lives within San Antonio and Texas, Joanna was a founding member of the Professional Tour Guide Association of San Antonio and the Comfort Heritage Foundation.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William E. Parrish, her parents, Joe and Faye Huffaker, and brother, Charles Marshall Huffaker.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Druanne P. Hart and husband Steven of San Antonio, and Kendall P. Olmstead and husband Kelly of Georgetown, Texas. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Joshua W. Semlinger, Aaron A. Semlinger, his wife Stacey and Steven Hart, Jr., all of San Antonio, TX, and Ryan O. Olmstead of Minneapolis, MN, Keegan P. Olmstead his wife Allie of Cincinnati, OH, Caitlin O. Klaras her husband Kent of Waco, TX, and two great-grandchildren.

Heartfelt appreciation & thank you to the caregivers at Gemstone at Castle Hills and Paloma Hospice.

A celebration of life will take place on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 10:30am at the Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels Avenue #700, San Antonio, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Conservation Society of San Antonio. https://www.saconservation.org/donate/