Joanna Blackwell

Joanna Frances Durden Blackwell, born on March 27, 1931, in Temple, Texas, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 6, 2024, at the age of 93. Known for her warm spirit and loving nature, Joanna touched the lives of many as a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and aunt. Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate her life at 4 pm Friday, December 20, 2024, at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple.

From a young age, Joanna loved music and dancing. She was an excellent dance partner, always ready to take to the dance floor.

Joanna's family takes comfort in knowing that she has reunited with her two sons and other beloved family members who have passed on before her. This joyous reunion is a source of peace for those left behind, as they remember her with love and appreciation for the remarkable life she led.

She is preceded by her parents, Jesse Elmo Durden, Sr. and Annie Louise Caffrey Durden; brothers, Jesse Elmo Durden, Jr., and Frank Ray Durden; sisters, Henrietta Lueck, Mary Louise Doshier, and Minnie Bell Cosper; and sons, Parker “Lee” Roy Johnson, Jr., and Wayne Thomas Johnson.

Survivors include daughters, Diane Jarma and husband, Harry, and Debbie McKenzie and husband, Robert “Bubba”; daughter in law, Barbara Johnson; 10 grandchildren, Parker Johnson III, Misty Johnson, Lisa Vasquez (Benny), Jeremy Conrad, Matthew Ison, Melissa Minaker (Brent), Jenny Smetana (Jon), Alicia McKenzie, Robert McKenzie, Jr. (Amy), and Jacob McKenzie (Brandy); and 27 great grandchildren, Patience Johnson, Parker Johnson IV, Paisley Johnson, Elijah Baker, Karlee Vasquez, Kyle Vasquez, Jeremy Conrad, Jr., Audry Lerma, Dylon Conrad, Alissaundra Ison, Shawn Theodore, Cole Ison, Cayden Barncord, Brandon Peacock (Bekah), Kandace Peacock (Trevor Luper), Megan Minaker, Ethan Smetana, Lynlea Smetana, Emmy Smetana, Riley McKenzie, Madisyn McKenzie, Trent McKenzie, Dawson McKenzie, Koen McKenzie, Kamryn McKenzie, Samuel McKenzie, and Brady McKenzie.

The family would like to express a special thank you to the doctors and staff of Western Hills Nursing & Rehabilitation for their loving care and support through the years.