JoAnn Henslee

JoAnn Henslee, 80, of Nederland, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at Christus Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth, Beaumont, surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 12, 1942, in Nederland, to Violet Mae Mazerat Carlin and Wilford John Carlin.

JoAnn met the love of her life, Don, in 1965 when they were co-workers at a bank in Beaumont. She was only twenty-three years old when he picked her up for the first time in his 1948 Chevrolet and they went to see a Lamar State College football game. They quickly fell in love and nine months later they were married. JoAnn and Don celebrated their fifty-sixth anniversary this past June.

Although she was short in stature, JoAnn was a fighter who battled every obstacle put in front of her. She endured a variety of health challenges throughout her life such as scoliosis, cancer, and most recently, a stroke but fought them all with the stubborn determination that she was known for. Despite these challenges, she still lived a full life.

JoAnn loved camping in their travel trailer as well as playing the slots in the Louisiana casinos. She was particularly proud of the time she won nearly $5,800 at the Coushatta in Louisiana. She made sure that money was never given back to the casino.

Oftentimes, JoAnn could also be found hosting game nights with close friends playing everything from bunco to dominoes to numerous other card games. She was a fantastic cook and was known for making her famous chicken and sausage gumbo. Not to be overlooked, JoAnn will also be remembered for the many quilts she sewed for loved ones.

Above all else, JoAnn’s true passions were her grandchildren and an unwavering faith in the Lord. Whether it was delivering communion to those in need, teaching CCD to the younger generation, or being a member of the ACTS community, she was always ready to step up to do the Lord’s work. She was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Port Neches.

JoAnn is survived by her husband, Donald Henslee of Nederland; children, Stacy Loveless and husband, Billy, of Lake Jackson; Chad Henslee and wife, Melanie; and Jennifer Tyler and husband, Adam, all of Nederland; grandchildren, Tanner, Hayden, Hannah, Alec, Jenna, Nathan, Brenna, Noah, Ava, Micah, and Bayler; great-grandchildren, Cameron, Abigail, and Bentley; siblings, Sonny Carlin of Nederland and Betty Miller and husband, Jimmy, of Sulphur, Louisiana; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Laura Carlin.

A gathering of Mrs. Henslee’s family and friends will be 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, August 21, 2022, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. Her funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 22, 2022, at Broussard’s, with her interment to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 2006 Nall Street, Port Neches, Texas 77651.