Joann Speer
To generations of children, Joann Speer was an avenue to adventures in art. She was both teacher and mentor, inspiring the artistic endeavors of thousands of students attending Lincoln, Jefferson, and Washington Schools in Tipton County. In her 28 years of teaching, her creative spirit encouraged confidence, inventiveness, and pure joy.
The eldest of three daughters born to Harold and Reba Phillips in 1935, Joann relished farm life and enjoyed her role as “Daddy’s son” on the family dairy farm in Muncie, Indiana. Her family was her delight. Sisters, Jane and Carol, became her companions and life-long friends. Joann developed strength of character and built leadership skills through her ten years of 4-H work. She took great pleasure in relating how her dairy calf, Brown Jeannie, won for her the Indiana State Fair Showmanship Award in 1950. Joann would laugh saying,” My secret was not skill, but following Brown Jeannie wherever she wanted to go.” For outstanding merit, Joann was awarded trips to Washington D.C. and National 4-H Club Congress. She graduated from Selma High School in 1953, keeping in close contact with many of her Selma Bluebird friends.
While attending Ball State Teachers’ College, Joann met her beloved husband of 48 years, David Speer. Both were attending school and working at Ball Stores in Muncie. David, who worked in displays, left love notes at Joann’s gift wrap station. He won her heart, and ultimately whisked her off in 1956, to a military life in Biloxi, Mississippi. It was here that Joann joked, “I was lonely, so I made my own friends”. (Dwight and Doug) Captain Speer was then stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where Joann’s new “friends” (Debbie and Dwaine) arrived. Following six years in the Air Force, the Speer family returned to Indiana (joined then by Deanna) settling in Dave’s hometown of Tipton. Joann and Dave worked tirelessly as a team, raising their family of five, teaching, building a beautiful home, and contributing to community. (Phi Beta Psi, Sigma Delta Pi, Retired Teachers Association, Tipton Art Guild, Farm Bureau Pet and Hobby Leader, Tipton Extension Homemakers, Tipton County Goose Bean Garden Club, Tipton County Historical Society, Kemp United Methodist Church) Family was important to Joann. Her collection of pictures, letters, and newspaper cuttings from each member were held among all things dear.
Joann died quite unexpectedly in December. She was surrounded by her best “friends” (Children: Dwight, Doug/Diane, Debbie/Doug, Dwaine/Mary, and Deanna/Randy; Grandchildren: Katie/Devin, Matt, Sarah/Josh, Bethany/Will, Susie/Matt, Rachel, Caleb/Karsyn, Ryan, Adam, Hannah/Caleb, Kristen, and Grace; Great-grandchildren: Trinity, Alister, Liam, Miles, Yiska, Carter, Eleanor, Lyric, Kinsley, Jesse, and Vivian). Treasured family members not present in person were present in cards, phone calls, thoughts and prayers. In her final hours, when asked how she felt, she said, “Blessed.”
A celebration of life will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 24, at Kemp United Methodist Church in Tipton, Indiana. Visitation with family will begin one hour prior. Should family and friends wish to distance but still participate in Joann’s service, please send a signed tracing of your hand, a lipstick kiss, or short note to daughter, D. Cox, 1010 Timbercrest Drive, Logansport, Indiana, 46947. Your notes will be placed in a basket at the church on your behalf. Make any inquiries to Young-Nichols Funeral Home, Tipton.
I shalll miss that regal and fun lady. She was always so kind and polite she will be missed as great lady of Tipton county. My condolences to all her children and grandchildren
So many special memories of Joann as a coworker at Lincoln Elementary. She enhanced many elementary music programs with her artistic talents. I remember her yummy cakes, her love for family and her gentle spirit. I was glad to reconnect with her more recently at Tipton Retired Teachers meetings and even an unexpected surprise meeting near her lake place in North Webster. Thoughts, prayers and my deepest sympathy for the family.
One of my dearest friends, A neighbor for over 40 years , I had only gotten to really know her over the past 15 years , as both of us were retired, we began spending a lot of time together talking everyday, and spending many many evening just sitting around the the pool talking about family, friends, church, and plans for the next day or week ends. We went out to eat, and even to car shows with my husband Bill. She always had a birthday cake for for both of us and loved my fried green tomatoes in the summer. She was the most gentle ,positive person, with never a harsh word for anyone. Heaven will be truly blessed as she enters into Gods kingdom. I will truly miss her. My deepest sympathy goes to her children, grand children, and great grand children, who her whole life revolved around.
My sincere sympathy to all the family. Joann was a very special lady. I will miss her.
I only wish that i had written down the date for the funeral. I am so sorry that i was not there. I loved Joann, and enjoyed her company whenever we would meet with the cousins and the aunts. I will truly miss her. I remember she Always went out of her way to bring something for Everyone…whether it was something from her garden or a plant or just something special. It was so important to her. I feel so blessed that she was in my life. I know it’s really rough, the loss, of all her children & grandchildren. She will always be in our hearts. God Bless all of you.