Joe Ann Russell Yocom

Joe Ann Russell Yocom, 94, Springfield, Missouri, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 8:36 p.m. on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

Joe Ann was born in Greenfield, Missouri, to Oren Ellsworth Russell and Joe Wyldon King Russell on August 1, 1926. She graduated from Greenfield High School as valedictorian in 1944.

Joe Ann then attended William Woods College (Fulton, Missouri) and graduated in 1946 with an Associate’s Degree. In 1948, Joe Ann graduated from the University of Missouri (Columbia) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching.

On August 23, 1949, she married Jack L. Yocom of Anderson, Missouri, in Los Angeles, California, on the Bride and Groom radio program at the Chapman Park Hotel. She was a teacher for four years before moving to Springfield, Missouri, in 1952 to become a homemaker.

Joe Ann and her husband, Jack, enjoyed traveling the world throughout their marriage. Joe Ann was an active member of her community and enjoyed community outreach. She was a member of the Southwest Missouri Museum Associates (SMMA), Republican Women’s Club, Church Women United, Beta Sigma Phi sorority, Salvation Army Bell Ringers, church choir at National Avenue Christian Church, church choir at First and Calvary Presbyterian Church, the choir at The Montclair Senior Living, and The Old Castle Choir (that she is credited with naming) at The Castlewood Assisted Living.

She faithfully supported many organizations, including Samaritan’s Purse, Convoy of Hope, and Running Strong for American Indian Youth. Joe Ann was an avid MSU Lady Bears basketball fan, dedicating four decades to following the team around the country.

Joe Ann was lovingly known as Mom, Nana, and Great Grand Nana by her family who will miss her dearly.

Joe Ann is survived by two sons, Mark, Miles and wife, Debbie, all of Springfield, Missouri;, granddaughters: Sarah (Yocom) Knight and husband, Chris, Billings, Missouri; and Aimee (Yocom) Housley and husband, James, Marionville, Missouri; great-grandchildren: Isabella, Christian, Sadie, Luke, and Landon; brother ,John Russell and his wife, Barbara, Tulsa, Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews.

Joe Ann is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Jack Russell;, and her beloved husband, Jack L. Yocom.

Private services for the family will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel with Reverend Charlie Bahn officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Called to Care, Inc., P.O. Box 890298, Oklahoma City, OK 73189 or Convoy of Hope, P.O. Box 1125, Springfield, MO 65801.