In Memory: JoAnna Williams Schulz

This is the day the lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. — Psalm 118:24

On Sunday, January 3, family and friends gathered to share the life of JoAnna Williams Schulz. If it wasn’t clear before, it couldn’t be missed after … JoAnna loved fiercely and was fiercely loved.

“Beginnings are scary, endings are very sad; it’s everything in between that makes it all worth living.” — Sandra Bullock, Hope Floats

JoAnna didn’t have an easy life, but she had a lot to live for. Her brothers shared of a family divided, but bound by a deep unspoken love. For JoAnna, she found her emotional voice with the love of her life, JD. Their union created two precious children, Alecia and Ted.

“This is one of the miracles of love: It gives a power of seeing through its

own enchantments and yet not being disenchanted.” — C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

JD’s too soon departure left a great void in their small woven tapestry. With determination and without complaint, JoAnna raised her children to fly on their own, never missing a chance to encourage, prod, redirect, cheer on…or laugh. JoAnna knit together a family, not just by blood, but in community. Her laughter, her joy in friendship and family, her faith will be missed…but it lives on in those who shared her life. Everything in between is what makes life worth living and meant everything to JoAnna! She was loved deeply and will be missed fiercely. Through JoAnna we found it is okay to say “I Love You”!

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, For all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” — Helen Keller