Joanne Steves Devine

Joanie was born in San Antonio, Texas on September 12, 1934, to Joan Cahill Steves and Sam Bell Steves. She was the first grandchild on both her mother’s and father’s side and much loved by her grandparents, Mattie (Welder) and Emmett Cahill and Annie (Bell) and Albert Steves, Jr.

She attended Incarnate Word and Saint Mary’s Hall and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in the Class of 1952. Later in life, she reconnected with some of “The Jefferson Girls” and enjoyed getting together with them once a month for lunch, dinner, and trips to the Hill Country.

Joanie was a “lefty;” a very gifted artist, calligrapher, and writer; she went to Pine Manor College in Wellesley, Massachusetts to study Art but after a year, she missed being close to her family and transferred to the University of Texas where she pledged Pi Beta Phi. Over that Thanksgiving weekend she went to a party and met the very handsome Franklin “Hoke” Devine. After a whirlwind six weeks, they eloped and started their life together in Houston. Three years and two children later, they moved back to San Antonio.

She was a “Stay at Home Mom” for 20 years, participating in the activities of her four children via Brownies, Cub Scouts, PTO & Mule Pushers, and an active member of the Junior League of San Antonio, volunteering in many community projects. She served on the Altar Guild at St. Peter’s Prince of the Apostles and was chairman of a number of the St. Anthony of Padua Church festivals. She was a member of St. Monica’s Guild, The Assembly, Battle of Flowers Association, The San Antonio Country Club and The Argyle.

When her oldest two went off to college, she started taking several Studio Art classes at Incarnate Word; once she landed in Nancy Pawel’s “Pot Shop,” she not only discovered her creative niche, producing many beautiful pieces in clay, but found a wonderful, supportive circle of new friends.

At the age of 50, Joanie started her first job as the Director of Volunteers at the Santa Rosa Hospital; there she initiated several popular projects, including the Santa Rosa Christmas Tree and floats in the Fiesta parades. After six years she took a sabbatical but returned to the workforce at 70, when she was hired by The Conopus Club, a men’s social organization to be their Administrative Secretary. She loved her job, calling the board and members “My Guys.” She retired three years ago at the age of 85.

There were so many things Joanie loved - she was proud of her heritage; a descendent of the Canary Islanders, she was a 12th generation San Antonian. She treasured spending time with her grandsons and taking them on “field trips” to discover San Antonio’s Missions, King William, the River, old City Cemeteries, the Zoo, and museums. She was an avid reader, reading everything from Agatha Christy to Harry Potter; she was a keen bridge player and always happy to fill in if someone was not able to play in their regular bridge group. She loved going to birthday lunches with her four sisters, traveling - especially to San Miguel, Mexico and Ireland, the Texas Hill Country, watching Masterpiece Theater, Brit-Box Mysteries, NCIS, and anything with Tom Selleck in it.

She was predeceased by her parents, Joan and Sam Bell Steves; her husband, Franklin French Devine, Jr.; her son, Franklin French Devine III; and her sister, Elizabeth Steves Shannon.

She is survived by her daughter, Carroll Devine Nelson and her husband, Jim; their sons, James Baldwin Nelson III and Robert Cahill Nelson; her son, Samuel Steves Devine, his son Franklin French Devine II (Beau); her son, Robert Emmett Devine; her sisters, Bebe Steves Rosser, Martha Steves Baker, and Julie Steves Powers and her husband Greg; her former daughter-in-law, Mary Devine; and her numerous nieces and nephews.

Service will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, or the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation, 909 NE Loop 410, Suite 903, San Antonio, Texas 78209.