We just want to take a moment and thank all of you for the wonderful things that are being written about Joann. She was a wonderful person and will truly be missed. We love knowing that she touched so many lives in so many different ways. If you would like to make a donation in Joann's memory, please send it to: Susan G. Komen for the Cure Attn: Gift Management Services 5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 250 Dallas, TX 75244
 

Thank you for all the prayers and support through this difficult time.
 

It was like clockwork. We'd all climb into the back seat of their van and wait. Soon she'd begin to sing "Little Bunny Fu Fu". With broad gestures and exuberant expression, she fully assumed the role of the rotten bunny and the good and forgiving fairy. We'd arrive at Tortuga's and before long we'd be running along the restaurant's perimeter, scaling the thematic architecture (the restaurant manager must have loved us), fending off pirates and walking the plank, Joann following us every step of the way. She was never afraid to use her imagination, to play, to look like a fool for our sake. But more importantly, she showed us not to be afraid. She let us be little while helping us pretend we were big. She rode along in our fantasies, all the while telling us to pursue our dreams. In her company, I could accomplish anything I dreamt. My imagination was my only limit -- an imagination she'd taught me to use. I wonder if she knew what she was doing. Did she realize that that goofy little song, that spunky little fairy was really my opening to infinite avenues of happiness and hope - that by helping me to imagine she gave me the power to think and to wonder? Charles de Lint said, "We call them faerie. We don't believe in them. Our loss." And it is a loss. We close the door to the fantastic, and sentence ourselves to the merely plausible. We doom ourselves to the "cannot's" of reality. But, occasionally, someone opens that door - someone reminds us of the treasures of myth and the worth of dreams. All it takes is a little magic - a little fairy dust.
 

I'm one of Joann's sisters and I just had to let you all know how much reading your comments has meant to me. I have this page bookmarked so when ever I'm feeling like s--- I come here and read your comments over and over again. There are so many heartfelt words about who my sister was to so many of you. It helps to know that she was so loved and cared about. I live in Oregon, and felt so helpless knowing she was in the biggest fight of her life and I was so far away. Knowing now how much support and love she was surrounded with helps me with the grief I'm feeling. I didn't know Joann in her professional world. We all have many hats we wear in our lives, and I knew Joann with her big sister hat on. Your memories and stories are so fun and uplifting. And I so appreciate knowing my sister through your eyes. I see she had many common threads that were sew into each of her hats she wore. I love that part. Joann was 4 years older than me and out of the 5 of us she was the silly, playful, and wise one. I learned so much from her about living life fully, about being honest, positive, and fair. So many words you all used to describe her are words that I have used speaking of her my whole life. "Tiny but mighty" is one of my favorites. Her whole life was about living..... with strength, courage, bravery, determination, all with a great smile, a great laugh, and a spirit to have fun doing it. Perhaps her one weakness was not wanting or maybe not knowing how to accept getting more back for all that she gave. She was a master at putting the attention on others, not wanting to make a big fuss about what she was going through. She was one mighty warrior for sure. I miss her so much. And I will never get tired of coming to this site and reading your wonderful words.
 

I so enjoyed working with Joann, she was so helpful. I was her "Secret Elf" a few years ago and got to know a little more about her, that she loved to golf and she enjoyed reading. I also met a friend of hers that told me she used to teach home ec! I never knew that about her and am sad that I never got to ask her about it, although I was able to let her know her friend said hi. Her strength helped me get through my hard times and I will remember her for that most of all. I am grateful that I knew her and she has made me a stronger person for it. Thank you, Joann.
 

Even though I wasn't friends with Joann for long, she left a lasting impression in my memory. Joann was smart, strong and tough and provided yin to Ted's Yang. They were a great team. I miss my Elsik family during this time of grief. Joann was a remarkable woman. One of her last pieces of advice to me was--don't delay on your mammograms, it's not worth it. I will be scheduling my first very soon, Joann. Thanks.
 

Someone will come along to take her place as a staff member. But NO ONE will replace her. We rest with Hope that she is at peace now. My thoughts, prayers & my love through Christ to the family.
 

Joann will be greatly missed. She was a great person and was of great help to me when I began as a tech specialist. She always had great ideas and advice.
 

I too shared a portion of Joann's humor. Everytime I saw Joann she walked with a smile on her face. Her smile made me smile many of days! And for that, I will always remember that beautiful smiling face of Joann's and her eagerness to assit the faculty and student body here at Elsik. My words of comfort can't express how much Joann will be missed; however, I'd like to send my sincere condolences to the family during their time of bereavement. Be Strong!
 

I will always remember numerous times seeing Charlie and Joann together on various golf courses and Joann’s smile while she was playing a round of golf with Charlie. I will miss her.
 

I was sad to hear that Joann passed yesterday. I knew her time was near, but it is always sad. I told Joann that she was probably the strongest person I had ever met. My Mom is a survivor of cancer and I took care of her through her therapy. She also went to work when she could get up to do so. Many times she would only be there for a couple of hours and then would have to come back home to bed. I asked her why she went to that trouble. She told me she wanted to continue to try to function as usual and be around people. I understand. People in your life are the most important part of Life. I am proud to have had Joann as part of my Life here at Elsik.
 

Joann will forever hold a special place in my heart. She was always there for me and checked on me to make sure I was doing okay during the times that I was ill. She would put me first as she does for everyone, and would always take me under her wing. A hug from her always made me feel at ease, and she would always make me smile and laugh. She is forever a classy and beautiful person inside and out. I will take with me the best memories of knowing such a beautiful and strong woman. My condolences go out to her family at this difficult time. May peace, faith, and love be with them always.
 

As family when we miss a member the whole body hurts for we are all members of one body. I pray for Jo's (as I called her) family to be strengthened during this difficult time. Please find strength in knowing that one day we will meet again. I miss her terribly. Jo had the gift of teaching and she taught with much patience. I truly am thankful. Thanks Jo!
 

Joann will be so missed. She was such a viable part of our Instructional Technology family. I so admired her strength, humor and contributions to education. My condolences go out to her family at this time and may she now be at peace.
 

I will always remember JoAnn and her smiling face and willingness to always help me with my computer and explain to me how to do things without making me feel like an idiot. I lost my step mother and my mother-n-law to pancreatic cancer within one year of each other; so I know how hard a fighter JoAnn was to have survived and beaten the cancer so many times. She is truly an inspiration to me as well as others and was so loved here at Elsik. I will miss her deeply but know that she is in a place of comfort and peace and happiness.

Joann was a great help to LINC when the program first started. She was always willing to give her time to help us (and especially me!) out with any problems concerning the technical aspect of things. Condolences to her family. She will be truly missed.
 

Joann was my son's teacher at AMS and always went out of her way to make him feel that she cared for him, that he was special. I know that she did the same for all of her students. i am so very grateful that phillip had his life shaped in part by her guidance. educators like joann are what make alief such a very special place.
 

I will miss her dearly. She was a very special person and held a special place in many people's hearts. God bless her.
 

As Ted's wife, I came to know Joann as his computer partner and the one who picked on him and reminded him he was not "Super Techie", although he is. :-) I am thankful he had a chance to work with her, and I had the chance to get to know her like I did. She will carry a part of our hearts with her.
 

Joann was a wonderful partner as Hastings High School technologists joined forces with Elsik High School technologists to implement a student data system, ADM, so that all students could achieve academic excellence. I truly appreciated her patience, her contagious smile, her dedication, and her expertise as we all worked together last year. God Bless
 

What can I say - Joann was one of the first people I met when I started in Alief 11 years ago. I have so many memories of Joann that I treasure and will keep next to my heart always. Seeing how difficult these past few weeks were for her - I am glad that she is now at peace and no longer struggling. My thoughts and prayers are with Charlie, Kim and the rest of her family.
 

Joann was a very special person. I will miss her so much. A part of her will continue on in the hearts and memories of those she touched.
 

Joann was a great person to be around. I came to know Joann as a tech specialist. She was always smiling and upbeat, even through her battle with cancer. She will be missed!
 

Joann and her lovely husband Charlie have always had a special place in my heart. I've been working at Elsik a looong time, back when Charlie was Head Principal. I have so many wonderful memories of Joann. We've laughed together, cried together, and shared so many stories. Back in the days, my husband and I would run into her and Charlie very frequently at our favorite Mexican restaurant--Los Tios. I will miss her so much; not a day will go by when I don't think of her in some way, especially with 29 computers in front of me. May she be at peace--my thought and prayers are with all the family.

As you all know Technology in our school district would not be where it is today without her constant support and dedication. She always went above and beyond to help me as well as others in anyway she could. She will be extremely missed. God bless her and her family.
 

I met Joann years ago when I was in 7th grade, she was my home ec teacher. She taught me how to make Orange Julius and pizza sandwiches. When I joined the Elsik family as a teacher she remembered me...now I will always remember her. Joann was one of the strongest people I know and an inspiration to all of us. She will always and forever be in my heart.
 

Alief has lost one of it's finest. Those of us blessed by her presence in our lives, if even only for a brief time, are truly lucky. My sincere condolences to Charlie and family and my thanks for sharing Joann with us.
 

Joann was the most genuine person I ever worked with in my years of teaching in Alief. She was serious when she needed to be and a bit silly with her classes when she could be. She seemed to always have a smile on her face and her laugh was infectious. Joann was my mentor and a colleague I could truly call my friend.
 

Joann inspired all of us with her strength and determination to defeat her illness. I'm thankful for all she did to help me and the others here at Elsik. I'm privileged to have known her and she will be surely missed by all the ones she touched. All thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.
 

What I remember most about Joann was her interaction with her tech spec partner Ted Richards. It was a hoot to watch. He would say or do something and she would say "c'mon Ted!" or "can we go on to the next thing?" They played so well off each other and had a great working relationship. I wish I could have taped some of their back and forth interactions. They were priceless. She will be difficult if not impossible to replace.
 

Joann was a very special person. Her smile and warm spirit touched many lives. She was also very helpful, even when I was willing to give up on something "techie" that I was trying to do, she kept at it until we figured it out. She will be truly missed!
 

Joann was such a joy to know. Her smile was infectious and her love of her job was so evident. I will miss seeing her in the halls and coming into the library to help us with our little problems. She was a valiant warrior until the end. Rest in peace, Joann.
 

Joann was a great friend and a wonderful help to me during my first years at Elsik. At first, I did not know how far back we went, but later learned that her husband was the AP of Elsik while I was a student here. I also graduated from Elsik with her daughter. Because of these and because of the special person Joann is, I always felt we had a special connection. I still feel this connection with her today and will continue to feel it in the future. She will always be in my prayers and thoughts. I will miss her.
 

Bright as the sun in so many ways, intellegent and beautiful both inside and out. With a smile that lifted you; a hug that sustained you. She fought the good fight, staying positive and strong and giving it her might. She had hope and faith and was surrounded by love taking its strength as she battled on. While taken so fast left us uttering "oh why? such little time." Destiny now takes her to heaven beyond. She will surely be missed. For she was a great person, great friend, great computer technician and just GREAT overall. I guess God heard about that and wanted her with him once and for all.
 

Joann was a great person and a joy to work with, she will be in my prayes and thoughts. Elsik has lost an angel.
 

I am sorry to have lost such a wonderful lady and coworker. Joann was an inspiration to us all and I know that she is at peace. She will always be in my heart and mind as well. I also would like to expess my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for her service and dedication to Elsik.
 

Joann helped me often with tech issues and I will always be grateful for that. She modeled courage for me too, and for that I can't express my gratitude enough. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
 

Joann was like a breath fresh air. She helped with tech support along with teaching you as she trouble-shot the problem. I will always remember her as a sister, because I am a nine year cancer survivor. In 2006 and 2007 I walked the "Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure" and I wore her name on my back both times along with other family members (survivors, my sister who passed away 5 years ago with same type as Joann). As I walked across the finish line I thought of her and all of the people I carried on my back. When I got back to school both times I gave her several gifts that were given to those who walked and were cancer survivors. She smiled and was so grateful. It was I who was grateful; as I told her how inspired I was to know her. Also how Blessed I was that God had placed her in my life. I was her secret pal one Christmas. As I created her gift basket, it was with love and admiration of a person who was truly kind, passionate about her family, her golf and her job. God has picked one of "His" "Best Roses". My prayers go out to her family, relatives and also our Elsik family. It will take time and grace for us to heal. Even though we are sad, what precious memories.

I will miss Joann immensely. I will miss her spirit, enthusiasm and devotion to Elsik and staff. Her courage, strength and resolve was remarkable. She inspired us all. I am blessed to have known this wonderful person.

My heart hurts, but I am glad she is not hurting anymore. I have only known Joann for a little over a year and for most of the time I didn't even know she was ill because she kept keeping on. She would come help me when I had brain farts with my computer and crack me up laughing when it was something so simple I wasn't doing right. She was always so nice and smiling and going here and there. I miss her a lot, it was a pleasure getting to know her and being inspired by her and her strength. Seeing her keep on keeping on gave me strength I didn't know I have. I am so glad that I was fortunate enough to be in her life. If there is anything I can do for the family, don't hesitate to ask.

I am a better person because I have had the blessing of knowing Joann. Her strength, determination, and bravery was undeniable. I am thankful for the years of friendship we shared and will miss her dearly. Her family is in my thoughts and prayers.
 

When I first met Joann, she was Ms. Adams to me. That was almost 30 years ago. Her daughter, Kim, was (is) my best friend and I grew up with them in my life. Ms. Adams, Mrs. Cothran, Joann, was my teacher, my cheerleading sponsor, my friend's mom, and always loving, sweet, and supportive to me. As the years passed, I didn't always see Kim, her mom, or Mr. Cothran, but whenever I did, it was as if I had just spoken to them and the kindness always remained. Mrs. Cothran, you raised a wonderful daughter (& I know how important that is to all of us mothers!), as I quote part of what you wrote in my 8th grade yearbook, "...I hope you and Kim remain good friends for a long time...", please know we will. And, thank you for all you did for me in my youth. Love, Allyson
 

Joann and I braved the world of instructional specialist together. She was my cognitive coach, my office mate, and my friend. What I remember from my years working with Joann is her patience. Patience is a virtue that I began to learn from her example. She will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with the Cothran Family.
 

I got to know Joann while I was working as one of the tech specialists at Hastings High School. Even though Hastings and Elsik are very competitive against each other, when it came to the tech specialists, this wasn't the case at all. If either the Elsik or Hastings tech specialists needed help, the others were there to help without hesitation. I will always miss her great smiles and sense of humor. I have to chuckle when I think back to our district tech specialist meetings. When Joann thought that Ted was getting a little too longwinded, Joann would give him a little kick under the table so that he would finish his thoughts and the meeting could continue. I miss our break away lunches to Logan's Roadhouse where we would go occasionally to vent or just catch up with each other. The last time I got to see Joann was when she came to Austin for the Technology conference. My daughter was sick, so I couldn't make the get together with everyone else, but we did meet up and she gave me one of her big hugs, not worrying about the possibility of her catching what my daughter had. Joann fought a long hard battle. I'd just like to say: Rest in peace, my friend, rest in peace....
 

I was very sad to hear the news. Mrs. C was a wonderful person and I am very sorry Kim, and Mr. C I will have you in my thoughts and prayers.
 

Kim-so sorry for this sad news. I can see your mom now in the halls of Alief Middle School. Tiny, but mighty. May you and your family find joy in celebrating her life and find comfort and peace in loving memories. Warmly, Tina
 

"Friendship is like a prism through which the many variations of beauty are revealed in our lives." -Anon. Joann was such a good friend. She was gentle, spirited and so much fun...even when we were all working so hard. I am forever changed for having known her. While I will miss her terribly, she will remain in my heart and I know that will see her again.
 

I will miss her spirit, enthusiasm and devotion. Joann was and will be my hero and taught how to fight for life
 

My room was next to Joann's at AMS and we would always stand in the hall together laughing and talking. She could always put a positive spin on any situation! She touched the lives of her students, family, friends and co-workers and will be deeply missed.
 

When I needed computer help Joann was very quick and made me feel like I was the only person who needed help (although I was probably number 100 on her list). This happened several times over the years and I always responded in person to thank her. We would exchange stories and jokes. She had a way of making you feel like you were a friend regardless of how you ranked on the org chart. She was the most genuine and well liked person at the school !
 

What an inspiration JoAnn was to all of us who had the privilege to know her. Her FIGHT with cancer only reflected her determination to live every moment to the fullest. My classroom was across from her office and we were able to share some very special moments. I will always be grateful for the our paths crossings. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
 

I have known Charlie and Joann since I came to Alief Elsik in 1983. It was always fun to talk to Joann at all the school sporting events, and watching her daughter, Kim, as a Cheerleader during the early years. As some of you know, I struggle with the new technology, and Joann was always patient with me when I caused my computer to crash or freeze! Throughout the years, I have enjoyed the friendship and professional relationship with Joann and Charlie. I had the opportunity to golf with Joann once at Stephen F. Austin, and she kicked my butt! She is a very good golfer, and she helped improve my golf game. One day when I get my "hole in one" I know Joann will be cheering for me from up above. Joann, I know you will enjoy those great golf courses in Heaven! "Fairways and Greens", Joann, "Fairways and Greens!!!
 

To Joann's family and the Elsik family: The pain we feel is immense and real. She feels none now. It is ours, but it is because Joann's love was immense and real. We miss her, but she will be there for us. Our own Elsik Ram Angel. That makes me smile and that helps the pain subside.
 

“Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.” Joann meant more to me than I even realized. She is not just a coworker or tech support, she is a friend, a mother, and a force to be reckoned with. It is really hard for me to put into words what she means to me. She stuck up for me when I didn't realize it, and told me to "chill" on more than one occasion... when I needed it! She helped me to overcome my Mac to PC learning curve, not doing it for me, but showing me how to do it for myself. She graciously accepted all my cookie bribes even though we both knew she'd help without the cookies, (but who says no to cookies?) She cornered our superintendent on numerous times just to tell him how beautiful all my "artwork" was. Joann, I will most certainly miss you! I love you, and thank you for all of it, every last second of sharing who you are with the rest of us.
 

I've only known Joann for the past four years or so, but I grew to admire her greatly. Perseverence. Even when she saw me so technologically impaired that she could have thrown up her hands in frustration, she instead persevered. And it was the same way with her illness. Others would have given in to the temptation to give up, but not Joann. Her strength in everything she did is what I'll always admire and remember.
 

joann was a really good teacher, everytime i would have a problem, i would always ask her for advice, and it would be good advice too, but anyways, thank you and for all the wonderfull memories we had together
 

I found out only recently about this loss. Joann and I met a few years ago. I found her to be a kind hearted person with a contagious smile. I'll miss her greatly.