Joanna Schreve, 82, passed away on October 10, 2006 at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth.
Mrs. Schreve was born in Spiro, Oklahoma and lived there the first thirteen years of her life before her mother and brother died. Joanna was blessed with a wonderful step-brother, Alfred Blankenship and step-mother, Mary, when her dad remarried and the family eventually moved to Beaumont, Texas. While attending Spiro schools, Joanna consistently remained on the honor rolls, which she continued to do at South Park High School before graduating in 1942.
Like the husband she married, Joanna exemplified and lived a truly Christian life without creating one single enemy. It was Joanna’s dream to become a teacher, but circumstances prevented that from occurring. Instead, she graduated from business school and became the office manager for Burrus Lumber Company, and adored Mr. Burrus, who owned the company. Although she never became a “classroom teacher”, Joanna did become a teacher who impacted the lives of numerous young people, including her own two, John and Bonnie.
Mrs. Schreve became an extraordinary Blue Bird, Camp Fire and Cub Scout leader who, along with her husband, coordinated events at Camp Niawana, Tyrell Park, Camp Earline, and all over. They showed young people how to build teepees, perform duties for the elderly, enjoy nature through campouts, and live better lives. All family vacations, whether in the Smoky Mountains or the orange groves of Florida, were educationally-oriented, as well as great family fun.
Joanna volunteered to coordinate the library activities at Assumption Catholic School for years, as well as participate in the Altar Society functions. She assisted in coordinating wonderful Assumption Parish bazaars to assist the school financially. As a lifelong Catholic, she hosted the Women’s Baltimore Catechism Study Club. Joanna was a great reader and insisted that her children be readers as well, with weekly summer trips to the Tyrrell Library.
She was joined in marriage with B.A. Schreve by Monsignor Kelly at Saint Anthony’s Cathedral and they later had two children, John Orley and Bonnie. She was particularly proud of her two grandchildren, Amanda Vessel Foust and John Anthony Vessel, whom she adored. She impacted their young lives while helping to babysit them with great outdoor activities, crafts, and of course, a lot of reading. In essence, she truly was a teacher like none other.
Joanna was preceded in death by her husband and son. She is survived by her loving daughter, Bonnie Vessel; grandchildren, Amanda and her husband Matt Foust and John Anthony Vessel; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, October 14, 2006 at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive followed by burial at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers will be Richard Gafford, Randy Foret, Marcus Blakenship, Leroy Fagg, John Blankenship and Jerry Dardis. A gathering of family and friends will be Friday evening October 13, 2006 beginning at 6:00 P.M. at the mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, P.O. Box 7015, Beaumont, Texas 77726.
She is loved and cherished and will be greatly missed by all. In particular, the family would like to extend its undying gratitude to Dr. Brady and Donna O’Dell, Dr. Blahey, St. Elizabeth Hospital and the St. Elizabeth ICU Staff.
