Joan P Gunn

Mrs. Joan P. Gunn went to be with our Lord on November 1, 2021.  She was born on June 24, 1939 in Greenville, Texas to Roy H. and Floriene Priest.  Mrs. Gunn is preceded in death by her Parents; Sister, Jana Grace Priest.

Left to cherish her loving memory are her Daughters, Sharon Gunn (Greg) Neel, Susan (David) Benskin; Son, Bill (Lara) Gunn; Sisters, Jane (John) Wilson; Brothers, John (Lill) Priest, Joel (Joy) Priest; Numerous Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

Visiting with family will be at 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. at Dobie Funeral Home.

Joan Gunn loved fiercely. She loved the Lord above all, and her family deeply, embracing their friends as though they were her own, which they quickly became. Joan was able to discern when those she loved were hurting or needing advice and guidance or just a big warm hug and a word of encouragement, finding the right words to say to ease sorrow and worry. She was an apt counselor as well, and mentored many.

It was her joy to be together with her loved ones and for many years we gathered for holiday dinners which were often followed by a trip to the lake the same afternoon. She loved the water in every way; dancing in the rain with her grandchildren, fishing, water skiing, swimming, and playing water games with her grandchildren. She was also known to take a New Year’s Day swim when her schedule would allow it, regardless of the weather. Joan was a swimming instructor for a few years, which she excelled at. She was also active in the community and enjoyed line dancing as well as bicycling. She rode hundreds of miles over time, 50 miles for her 50^th birthday and even participated in some timed events.

For many years Joan was the manager of the Christian Book Store in Corpus Christi, Texas. She loved those years working with the public, and acquired many friends and acquaintances through this outlet. She demonstrated what it is like to possess a good work ethic and her grandchildren learned this and other values from her.

Joan was a music lover and one of her many gifts was singing. She loved so many of the old hymns and songs out of the “red song book” at church. Some of her favorites included “In the Garden”, “The Old Rugged Cross”, “Jesus is Coming Soon”, and of course “When We All Get to Heaven” and near the top of her list, “The Lord Bless You and Keep You”.  One of her granddaughters mentioned that she learned how to sing alto by listening as Joan sang in church. Another mentioned that Joan passionately supported her granddaughters in their music education. Any time they or one of her great-granddaughters would play on the piano, she would stop what she was doing and listen. She was proud of every one of her kids and grandkids, and of those who call her “Aunt Joan”.

Joan allowed her kids to do stuff. To play hard, get dirty, climb trees, catch frogs, horny toads, lizards, bugs, tortoises, turtles and most everything under the sun. She laughed when some of these creatures were accidentally let loose in the house. She even let her kids dig a hole to China in the back yard. We could play outside after dark, play “Red Rover”, “Swinging Statue” and other old school games with our friends. But…NO Slip-n-Slide. Absolutely not. Was she afraid of anything? Maybe snakes, but only certain kinds, and, well, the Slip-n-Slide. But she wasn’t the type to panic.

In her later years she was not able to be as active but thoroughly enjoyed being with family and sitting outside watching the sky and enjoying the outdoors. She loved seeing the antics of the horses as well as all of the pets she was around.

Joan was a caregiver in the most excellent way. She would often visit the injured or sick; taking care of undone chores, bringing food, or sitting and offering some conversation. She was also committed to making sure her grandmother, mother and her sister were receiving the best of care during their last years. Eventually she became the one receiving care at home, from her own family as well as Mi Familia Home Healthcare, Visiting Angels of The Coastal Bend and Devoted Healthcare and Hospice Services. Now she has moved on to the most amazing place we could imagine, and is having the best reunion ever. We hope everyone here will join her sometime for that great event. But for now, we wait.

Rest in peace dear mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend and daughter of the King.