Joan Mayfield Hataway

Joan Mayfield Hataway was born on December 26, 1930, in Wichita, Kansas, and died peacefully at home in Beaumont, Texas, on July 19, 2024.  Joan was the only child of parents John Lamar Mayfield and Hazel Kathy Mayfield.

Joan grew up in Galveston, Texas, and graduated from Ball High School.  Later moving with her parents to Beaumont, Joan attended Lamar College of Technology (Lamar Tech), now being Lamar University.

During that time, Joan met the love of her life, William “Bill” B. Hataway and shortly thereafter, Bill and Joan were married at First United Methodist Church in Beaumont.  Joan and Bill then moved to Austin, where Bill attended the University of Texas, graduating in 1955 as a Petroleum Engineer.

Bill and Joan moved to Wink, Texas for Bill’s first job with Stanolind Oil & Gas  Company, then on to Lubbock.  During that time, Bill & Joan adopted their children, Bill, Jr. and then a year later, Susan.

After working for Stanolind for several years, Bill decided to accept Joan’s father’s offer to assist him as a certified Marine Chemist back in Beaumont.  So, the family moved to Beaumont where Joan and Bill lived happily ever after.

Joan was devoted to historic preservation, having served as President and Chairman of the Board of the Texas Historical Foundation and Chairman of the Jefferson County Historical Commission.  Joan also served as President of the Tyrrell Historical Library Commission, the Texas Gulf Historical Society, the Beaumont Heritage Society and served on the Board of the Jefferson Theatre during its restoration.

Joan was also an active Methodist Laywomen, serving along with Bill as delegates to several global and national United Methodist conferences, as well as serving on the district and local levels of the United Methodist Church.

Joan also loved Gardening and playing Bridge.  Joan achieved Gold Master status in the bridge world and truly enjoyed all her family at the Bridge Studio in Beaumont.  Joan also became a Master Gardener and enjoyed tending her gardens every day at home.

Joan was predeceased by her husband of 71 years, Bill Hataway, and by daughter, Susan Hataway Lejunie. She is survived by son, Bill Hataway, Jr. and Bill’s wife, Maria, of Dripping Springs; grandchildren, Katrina Noah of Cypress, Nicole Pancardo and Mariah Morgan of Austin, Ashley Timmons of Serepta, LA., Jaxson Hataway of Dripping Springs; and great-granddaughter, Madchen Morgan, of Austin.  Also, her grandsons, Joshua and Adam Lejunie and granddaughter, Jenafer Lejunie, along with great-granddaughters, Maelynn, Raelynn and Everleigh Lejunie.

In lieu of flowers and plants, Joan has requested memorial contributions may be made to Some Other Place, P.O. Box 0843, Beaumont, Texas 77704 or another organization of your choosing.

A gathering of Mrs. Hataway’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Friday, August 2, 2024, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.