Joan Thurmond

Joan Winifred was born on June 18, 1936, in Longview, Texas to the Parentage of Mr. & Mrs. John Steve and Mizetta Winston, the firstborn out of eleven siblings. She graduated top of her class from I.M. Terrell Academy, in Fort Worth, Texas, a star volleyball player, who loved the arts and was passionate about poetry & ballet. After high school, she and her family moved to Cleveland, Ohio. 

Joan was united in Holy Matrimony in June 1958 to Mr. John Oren Thurmond. From this union five talented children were born. As the spouse of husband serving in the Army and Airforce, no matter where in the world the service took them, Joan always found Church of Christ to work and serve.

In her career, Joan was as a nursery and pre-school teacher while John and the family where stationed at Norton AFB (San Bernardino, CA; Scott AFB (Bellville, Ill); Travis AFB (Fairfield, CA). Joan was an avid bible scholar, researcher and course curriculum developer. She developed curriculum for preschool, was instrumental in the development of the local Boy Scotts of America programs and Author Co-creator of the Church of Christ Joy Bus program, working with the Greenmount Road Church of Christ.  Joan designed and developed many Bible-based programs and wrote many songs for children, teaching young hearts and minds about the glory of God, his son and the Kingdom of God.  She also had a flare for retail, fashion, and business development as Director for Fair Woman Fashion Boutique, in Dallas, TX.  She was voted the first Miss Southwestern --- SWCC, Terrel, Texas, 1957.

Songs: The Joy Bus Song, God’s way to live, many others

Joan loved the science of Numerology, Temperament Analysis, Child Psychology and Development.

Joan obeyed the gospel since the age of twelve in Fort Worth, Texas and was active in several ministries throughout her life.   She was a first-rate bible scholar and remained faithful to the Church of Christ in Hutchins, Texas, until her death. 

She also touched many lives as a Sunday Morning Bible Class Teacher, and unmatched benevolence to many families, children, seniors, Christian and non-members in the Community.

Preceded in death: Her loving parents, John and Mizetta Winston, three sisters; Loyce Johnson, Donna Taylor, and Joyce Allen. She departed this life September 20, 2022, at 10:00AM.  She leaves to cherish, a loving husband of 67 years, John Oren Thurmond; one daughter, Sherri Thurmond, and four sons; Darrell Thurmond, Kevin Thurmond, Anthony Wayne Thurmond, and Terry Shawn Thurmond. Three grandchildren: Nye, Stephen, and Kirk Thurmond; great-grandchild, Ira Thurmond.  She also leaves to cherish, four sisters, Gwendolyn, Jennifer (Ginnie), Devera Holt, Candace Roach and two brothers, John Steve Winston, Jr., and Richard Winston, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, extended family, and friends.

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