Joann Oneita Stovall

Joann Oneita Whitworth Stovall, age 90, born in Stamford, Texas January 28, 1934, experienced end of life June 16, 2024, cared for by Hospice Austin in the comfort of her Austin home. Celebration of Life Service set for 10:00 a.m., July 20, 2024, University Baptist Church, 2130 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78705. Officiating: Dr. Van Herd and host Rev. Natalie Webb. Reception follows in Fellowship Hall. Off street church parking provided at Calloway House 505 West 22nd St, San Antonio Street entrance. Joann grew up outside of Abilene in the farming community of Avoca, Texas where she played High School basketball and violin, was a doting big sister to her brothers Gordon and Don and enjoyed a large extended family including 47 first cousins. She went on to attend Hardin Simmons University in Abilene and graduated from Hendrick School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse in 1955. She met Philip at Abilene’s First Baptist Church where she caught his eye as he was serving as an usher. Her side of the story was that when she heard Philip pray during Sunday school, she knew God had directed her to the man she would share her life with. They wed on November 28, 1956 and were married 67 wonderful years. Both of their children were born in Ft Worth where Philip attended Southwestern Theological Seminary, and their family spent the next several years in church ministry, arriving in Austin in 1971 where Philip served on staff at University Baptist Church.

Her fields of practice were many and included hospital nursing in surgical, obstetrics, pediatrics, emergency medicine and intensive care. She spent 27 years at State Farm Insurance Regional Austin Office as a Certified Occupational Health Nurse- Specialist. She led in the ‘Great American Smoke outs’ there several years, taught Smoking Cessation Programs and was influential in eliminating smoking in her workplace. As a founding member of the Austin Chapter of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, she served as the first President, was elected for several years to the Texas State Board of Directors and chaired two State Conferences. She was a trailblazer in action. After the State Association approved Joann’s motion for cessation of smoking at their meetings, they moved the motion to the national meeting of AAOHN. It passed in 1983.

(Three years later, the American Medical Association adopted AAOHN state chapter motions, eliminating smoking in its annual meetings.)

Joann’s life in Austin was wonderful and she delighted in her deep love for her church. Her years since retiring were spent enjoying her family and friends, volunteering in numerous ways at UBC, and playing her favorite board games.

Joann was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Aubrey Whitworth and Ruby Lavenia Whitworth, her brother Don Richard Whitworth, and 2 grandsons Elliot Samuel Johnson and Lucas Gabriel Johnson. She is survived by her brother Gordon Dee Whitworth, and her husband, Philip John Stovall. Children, Susan Stovall Johnson (married to Dean Garner Johnson) and Mark Philip Stovall (married to Jan Rapp Stovall). Grandchildren, Nicholas Alan Stovall (married to Robert Walker Patterson), Andrew Joseph Stovall (married to Amber Renee Stovall), Claire Elizabeth Johnson (partner Stevie Lee Ammerman) and Spencer Daniel Johnson. Great Grandchildren, August Ann Stovall and Sawyer Philip Stovall.

We are indebted to the Hospice Team: Social Worker Janie Smith, Nurse Grace Golden R.N., Chaplain Erik Evenson and Medical Doctor Dr. Jonathan Wu. Counsel and wisdom came from Bob Brockmann. He introduced Bonnie Gomez, Barbara’s end of life caregiver. Bonnie gave Joann “one on one” friendship and compassionate comfort. We have received much needed and appreciated resources from Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78759-8645 If you are able to attend the Celebration of Life service, please email [email protected] for parking details and more complete information for July 19-21st gathering