Joann Chandler Hill

After a full and memorable life, JoAnn Chandler Hill of Shreveport, LA, was peacefully called home to heaven on February 12th, 2023 surrounded by her family.

JoAnn was born the eldest of 6 siblings to her parents, Milton and Lillian Chandler, on September 16, 1932, in Ruston, LA. She grew up on a small farm outside of Ruston near Choudrant, LA, with her parents and siblings.

JoAnn attended Choudrant schools and graduated from high school in 1950 in a class of only 16. She attended LA Tech University obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree and later, a Master’s Degree in Education. She taught “primary education” for 38 years and was “Teacher of the Year.”

As a child growing up through the Great Depression, JoAnn worked in the fields with her family raising peas, cotton, tomatoes, and other crops the family could eat, can, or sell. JoAnn never enjoyed “farming” but developed her lifelong love for reading.

JoAnn collected thimbles, mini houses, teapots, and Santa Clauses. She enjoyed traveling, taking yearly vacations with her family. She loved chocolate. She sewed many of her daughter’s clothes.

During the mid 1950’s, she met the love of her life, David Earl Hill, at a skating rink. JoAnn and David were married at a simple ceremony at Calvary Baptist Church on August 9th, 1958. They have been married for 64 years.

JoAnn was very active in her church and Sunday School, helping with a multitude of church activities, and was a long time member of Brookwood Baptist Church.

JoAnn’s primary joy in life was her family. She was a fiercely devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family affectionately called her, “MawMaw.” JoAnn and David “Pawpaw” would frequently travel several hours just to say hi or to watch her daughter’s, grandson’s, or great-grandchildrens’ sporting events or performances. JoAnn hosted the family for most holidays with presents galore, more food than could be eaten, and more laughs than can be remembered.

JoAnn and David have been blessed with 2 daughters, 1 granddaughter, 5 grandsons, and 10 great-grandchildren (so far).

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Kathy Hill; granddaughter, Alicia Peek; and sisters, Betty Curlee (husband, Joe), Martha McMichael (husband, Claude), and Margaret Murphy.

JoAnn is survived by her loving husband, David Hill; her sister, Pat Morgan (husband, Nolan); brother, Harrell Chandler (wife, Connie); and brother-in-law, Joel Murphy.

JoAnn’s love and zest for life will be missed by her daughter, Janet May (husband, Harry); her grandsons, Harrison May, Brock Peek (wife, Sammi), Andrew May (wife, Kennedy), Benjamin May (wife, Morgan), and Grant May (wife, Amanda); and her great-grandchildren, Amelia Blake Peek, IV May, Claire May, Harper Peek, Kayla May, Preston May, Parker May, Madelynn May, Logan May, and Rebecca Peek.

JoAnn spent her life caring, teaching, helping, and loving her family, friends, and her world.

Proverbs 31:25-30

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Friends and family are invited to attend JoAnn’s memorial services at Forest Park Funeral Home, 1201 Louisiana Ave. Shreveport, LA, on Monday, February 20. A private family visitation will take place at 10:00 AM. The public is welcome between 11:00 AM and 12:00PM, with the service following at noon. Immediately after, JoAnn will be entombed at Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Rd. Family is invited to attend lunch following entombment at Brookwood Baptist Church.