Joanne graduated from the eighth grade from Hay-Edwards School; she was a 1949 graduate of Springfield High School and a 1953 graduate of Millikin University, Decatur, with a bachelor’s degree in music education.
In the fall of 1953 Joanne and Pres began their teaching careers in East Peoria, only to move back to Springfield the following year to teach in District 186. Joanne taught music at Ridgely School, later teaching at Ben Franklin Middle School until taking early retirement to care for her ailing mother.
She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority at Millikin and remained active for many years as an alumnus. Joanne was also a member of P.E.O Chapter LR, as well as Sigma Alpha Iota Music Sorority. She was a life-time member of First Christian Church where she sang in the Chancel Choir and enjoyed working in the church library. In 2015 she and Preston were each honored as an Elder Emeritus.
Pres and Joanne loved to travel. They made several trips all over the United States and Europe with friends, as well as travelling several summers to Aspen, CO, for a week-long music symposium. Joanne also sang with the Illinois Symphony Chorus for many years, often singing for each Governor’s Inauguration. She was the featured soloist for the Illinois Funeral Directors Association’s annual Service of Remembrance for several years.
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