JoAnn Gail Downey, 68, a resident of Joplin, MO., passed unexpectedly from a sudden illness on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Mercy Hospital with her family by her side.
JoAnn was born in Kansas City, MO., on October 3, 1955 to G D Cooper Jr. and Janet Mattson, who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her daughter, Shawna Beck-Miller, her brother, Lee Roy Cooper and sister, Barbara Cooper.
She had a degree in Business Accounting. She was a born again Christian while attending James River Church. She volunteered on the programs committee and taught 3rd through 5th grade Sunday School Class. She also volunteered at Water Gardens and the A.R.M. program.
She is survived by her son Christopher Beck (Sara), daughter, Robin Hutson (Brian), 6 grandkids: Dalton (Jocee), Shantel (Dylan), Tiffany, Danielle, Frankie, Damien, 4 great-grandkids: Zayn, Jax, Huxley, and Shawn and her 2 sisters, Kathy Arnold & Debbie Meier.
She is loved and will be missed by many people whose lives she touched, especially her family and friend, Ronda Ogden that has been there through it all.
JoAnn was entrusted to Ozark Memorial Park crematory of Joplin, MO for her cremation. A Celebration of Life will be held at James river Church on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 11:00 am for friends and acquaintances.