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Joan Gooden was born on August 10, 1940, in Austin, Texas, to Horace Lee Spencer and Emma Uneta (Gooden) Brown. She was the first child of all her siblings. Joan accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the age of seven at First Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Pastor Robert E. Lee. She stayed a faithful member until later joining Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she was an active member of the Mission, attending the annual St. John Baptist Convention. Even when her health declined, Joan continued to praise and serve God in every way she could—remaining steadfast in her faith. Joan attended L.L. Campbell Elementary, Kealing Junior High School, and L.C. Anderson High School, graduating from the Class of 1959, and proudly wore her black and gold. She was dedicated to her old alma mater, LC Anderson High School, and attended their reunions annually. Joan's favorite quote, which she lived by, was “Anything worth having is worth working for” (Andrew Carnegie). She continued her education, attending Texas Southern University and the University of Houston in Houston, Texas, and later completing her associate’s degree in general studies from Austin Community College. She then earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Edward's University. Joan had a passion for learning that she carried throughout her life and career. Joan was known for her strong work ethic. She spent 27 years at Austin State Hospital, providing support and care to individuals with mental health and intellectual disabilities within the Texas Department of Mental Health. Subsequently, she transitioned to a career in education, serving as a permanent substitute teacher in multiple schools within the Austin Independent School District. Through her compassion, patience, and dedication, Joan made a significant contribution to the academic and personal development of numerous students. After 21 years with AISD, Joan concluded her tenure, leaving a distinguished record of service and commitment to educational excellence. Joan was an esteemed member of the VFW Auxiliary Lodge 8787, where she actively participated in service and community engagement. She played a foundational role in establishing the Organ Family Reunion Picnic, which originated in 1982 and remains ongoing to the present day. Her appreciation for family gatherings and momentous events was evident through her involvement. Additionally, Joan served as a volunteer with the American Red Cross, demonstrating a strong commitment to assisting others and contributing to her community. Joan was an individual who devoted her life to diligent work and the pursuit of education. She held a strong belief in the value of learning and the significance of perseverance. Recognized for her distinctive blue eyeshadow, auburn hair, red lipstick, and welcoming demeanor, Joan regularly participated in Juneteenth events at the corner of Chicon and 12th Street, where she engaged with her community and honored her heritage—a tradition she maintained until her health declined. Joan married Jerome Simmons on July 25, 1959. To this union, she had four children: Michael, Anthony, Vincent, and Angela Simmons. Their marriage concluded in divorce in November 1968. Joan welcomed her fifth child, Yolanda Simmons, in August of 1971. She consistently demonstrated dedication to her family by working diligently to support her children and instilling in them the values of faith, hard work, and perseverance. In June 1972, Joan married Ireland Lee Scott, who was serving in the U.S. Army at the time. Throughout her years as a military spouse, she accompanied her husband and children to various postings, including Fort Knox, Kentucky, where she prioritized family cohesion and upheld foundational values. After four years, the family returned to Austin, Texas, resettling near Bergstrom Air Force Base. Joan Scott demonstrated strength and resilience, and her commitment to her principles and faith had a profoundly positive influence on both her family and the wider community. Joan’s life was one of service, strength, and grace. She will be remembered as a devoted mother, loving sister, proud grandmother, faithful servant of God, and a pillar of her community. She was preceded in death by her parents, Horace Lee Spencer Sr., and Emma Uneta Brown; her beloved son, Michael Simmons; her siblings, Herman Gooden Sr., Pearline Brown, Kermit Spencer, Sandra Spencer, and William Brown. Joan leaves to cherish her memory her children: Anthony Simmons, Austin, TX; Vincent Simmons (Barbara), Cedar Park, TX; Angela Simmons, Pflugerville, TX; and Yolanda Tolbert (Virgil), San Marcos, TX. Her siblings: Gwynne Willis (Bernard), Poughkeepsie, NY; Wanda Batson (Henry Sr.), Houston, TX; Kenneth Spencer (Angela), Spokane, WA; and Riley Spencer, Austin, TX. Her grandchildren: Brittany Guice, Starnisha Bodie, Paulette Hausley, and Michala Simmons. She also leaves behind a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will remember her kindness, strength, and faith.

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Joan G. Scott

August 10, 1940 - November 1, 2025