1939-2024
JoAnn George, born on November 10, 1939 in Tarrant County, Fort Worth, Texas, peacefully passed away on February 23, 2024. She was 84 years old.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, Marshel George; her parents, John Daniel Sweaney and Addie Marie Gunter Sweaney; her sister, Kenney Mayer; and her brother, Danny Lynn Sweaney. She is survived by her daughters, Julie Bell (Artie) and Shirley Stark (Phillip); her son,Bobby Effinger (Cindy); as well as her grandchildren, Jaime Groff (Brian), Amanda Cox, and Kaley Pogue (Chase), and four great grandsons, Waylon Knox Pogue, Wyatt Lane Pogue, Hudson Lake Pogue and Parker Chase Pogue.
JoAnn was retired from the insurance industry and relocated from Texas to Sheridan, Arkansas when she met and married Marshel. They were active members of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and active members of the Sheridan Golf Club. After Marshel’s passing, she started attending Immanuel Baptist Church. Although her health was degenerating, and she could not attend as often as she wished, her faith never wavered. She was also an artist and enjoyed doing water and oil canvases for others. Some of her paintings are in the local establishments of Sheridan, Arkansas, as well as gifted to family and friends. She was also gifted with a beautiful voice and would often harmonize with her sister, Kenney. As children, they sang on live radio for a Christian radio station in Fort Worth, Texas.
It brought her great joy to share her faith with others. It also brought her great joy to give to others. If you had a need, she would fulfill it and she would be upset if you rejected it. She always told us, “it is better to give, than to receive”; and “One should humble themselves and receive blessings from others”. She touched many lives with her generosity, as well as with her faith.
She was not afraid of death for she knew where her salvation laid and was ready for her maker when the time would arrive. She outlived her spouse, parents and siblings and would talk about their absence and how she looked forward to joining them again. Ironically, her wish was granted on February 23rd.. Psalm 23 – Welcomed and blessed for all eternity – she shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
A family visitation will be held at 10 AM, on Thursday, February 29th, 2024, under the care of Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 2686 Hwy 167 N, Sheridan, Arkansas 72150. A graveside service is extended to family, friends and loved ones at Lost Creek Cemetery in Sheridan, at 11:00 AM, and a reception given in honor of JoAnn will follow immediately afterwards in the Fellowship Hall of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Co Rd 7, Sheridan, AR 72150.
Bro. Danny Hill will officiate the graveside services. Pallbearers will be Phillip Stark, Keith Williams, Johnny Schmidt, Mark Holston, Keith Deweese, Lou Broz and Chris Mash. Honorary music by Amy Parrault.
In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations may be made to Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church’s Building Fund, c/o Keith Williams, 1112 W. Gum Street, Sheridan, AR 72150.
