JoAnn Thompson

JoAnn Thompson, our precious and sweet mother and Nanny, passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

JoAnn was a wonderful example of sacrificial love and service to others. Her family was one of her greatest joys. She was known to be at every ballgame, performance, or important event of those she loved.

JoAnn was an active member of Christ the King Lutheran Church of Waxahachie, Texas. Her church was an integral part of her life as she was one of the founding members present at its organizational meeting in 1967. At her passing, she was the last surviving original member. For over 50 years she would purchase and arrange the flowers for the altar for the upcoming Sunday services. JoAnn also served on the Altar Guild, and taught Sunday school and vacation bible school throughout the years.

If you knew JoAnn, there’s a good chance you have enjoyed her excellent cooking. Nothing gave her more enjoyment than cooking for others. Her cooking was far reached, whether it be family, friends, or friends of friends. She will forever be known for her famous bread pudding that was a huge hit at church fundraisers, and her peach cobbler.

JoAnn’s working career spanned over 50 years as a lab technician, working originally at Scott and White Hospital in Temple, TX, and later at the Medical Center Laboratory in Waxahachie, TX. She loved the patients she met, and cared for them deeply. Her family would often be out with her in the community and be stopped and told by patients how she was the best at what she did. JoAnn retired at age 78 when her boss, Dr. John Compton, retired at age 91. Otherwise, she would have continued working.

She loved to travel the world with her “girlfriends”, her two lifelong friends from elementary school.

JoAnn had an extra soft spot for animals. She was known over the years to help rescue countless cats and dogs that showed up at her door.

JoAnn was born in Manheim, TX, a community outside of Giddings, TX on January 8, 1940. JoAnn was an only child, but was raised during her formative years with her special cousin, Joy Wachsmann, who she loved like a sister. She attended Emmanuel Lutheran School through eighth grade, and graduated from Copperas Cove High School in 1958. She married Leonard Thompson on June 12, 1958. They established their home in Belton, TX, and then later moved to Waxahachie, TX, in 1964. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gus and Esther Schwausch, as well as her former husband of 48 years, Leonard Thompson. Also preceding her in death was her special friend and companion of 17 years, Jack Van Zandt.

She is survived by her daughter Becky Wilson, and husband Randy, son Gary Thompson, and wife Lucy, all of Waxahachie, TX, and daughter Kelly Greer, of Italy, TX. She is also survived by her stepson Michael Thompson, and wife Anny, of New York, New York, and stepdaughter Patti Dowie, and husband Tom, of Destrehan, LA. Her surviving grandchildren include Haley Petrisor, and husband Daniel, Whitney Bang, and husband Jason, Collin Pylant, and wife Brittany, Lanny Thompson, and wife Angela, Cadie Pylant, Parker Thompson, and husband Brian Anderson, Karah Thompson, and Lauren Geralds. JoAnn’s great grandchildren include Rylan Figueroa, Caleb, Elijah, Grace and Hannah Petrisor, Jensen and Blair Bang, and Loretta Thompson.

Pallbearers are Collin Pylant, Lanny Thompson, Parker Thompson, Rylan Figueroa, Jason Bang, and Larry Wachsmann. Honorary pallbearers are Daniel Petrisor, Caleb Petrisor, Elijah Petrisor, Jensen Bang, Brian Anderson, Brandon Newsom, Patrick Briones, Craig Sumbler, and Tommy Wright.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 6 – 8 pm at Wayne Boze Funeral Home, 1826 US HWY 287, Waxahachie, TX. The funeral service will be held at 10 am on October 23, 2024, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 301 US 287 BYP, Waxahachie, TX. The graveside service will be at Sardis Cemetery, 6101 Honeysuckle Road, Midlothian, TX, following the funeral.

The family would like to give a special expression of gratitude to Dr. Ashley Dixon, Dr. Yolanda Brady, Dr. Maria Juarez, and the staff of Baylor Scott & White Hospital of Waxahachie for their love and care of JoAnn.

If you would like to order flowers, we recommend JoAnn’s favorite, Blooms & More of Waxahachie, TX.

For memorials in her honor, please consider Christ the King Lutheran Church building fund.