JoAnn Weems

JoAnn Weems, age 81, of Meridian,

passed away early Wednesday

morning, Feb. 13, 2013, at a Clifton

nursing facility.

Funeral services were held Friday,

Feb. 15, at the Lawson Funeral

Home Chapel in Meridian with Rev.

Richard Creech officiating. Graveside

services were held Friday at the

Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, near Stephenville.

Mrs. Weems was born Jan. 17, 1932 in Huckabay, Texas,

a daughter of Jesse Franklin Gardner and Lois Rebecca

Knight Gardner. She grew up in and around the Huckabay

area. In 1969 she moved to Meridian and in 1971 she married

Doyle Weems in Cleburne, and Meridian remained

their home. Mr. Weems passed away on Sept. 1, 2004.

Mrs. Weems was a 17-year employee of the Meridian

Manor where she held the Dietary Supervisor/Manager

position. She was also a long time member of the Meridian

First Baptist Church actively participating in many church

activities. She always had Jesus in her heart and strived to

be like Him. She always put others before herself and gave,

expecting nothing in return.

Being the eldest in a family of boys, she was very hardworking

and tough. Her hard work paid off when at the age

of 16, she graduated as valedictorian of her class. JoAnn

will be fondly remembered for her sweet disposition and

the many kindnesses she did for others. She was known for

her excellent cooking skills. Everyone she met was greeted

with her beautiful smile, joyful laugh, and left her home

with a full stomach.

Survivors include her children, Toni Evans and husband,

Phillip, of Stephenville, Laura Laughlin of Meridian, Rachel

Schmidt and husband, Jimmy, of Clifton, and Jeffrey

Laughlin and wife, Valarie, of Colorado Springs; stepson,

Richard Weems of Meridian; grandchildren, Roger Keith

Headrick, Sarah Schmidt, and Bryce Laughlin; greatgrandchild,

Lauren Headrick; a number of other relatives

and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, John

and Jay Gardner and an infant brother, Grady Hale.

The family takes comfort in knowing that she is now free

of pain and suffering and is now enjoying her new life in

Heaven. A special thanks to the staff of the Goodall-Witcher

Nursing Facility and American Hospice.

Condolences may be offered to Mrs. Weems’ family at

www.lawsonfuneralhome.net. Arrangements by Lawson

Funeral Home of Meridian, Texas.