JoAnne Eades Boswell North
1935-2020
In 1955, the strong, adventurous JoAnne Eades Boswell married Stafford North, a dedicated preacher and Bible scholar. Their 65-year marriage was a pact between two servant hearts to love until the last breath. On August 22, after facing JoAnne's Parkinson's together for seven courageous years, they met again in heaven.
JoAnne was a magnet for the left out and a light for the lost. Her boundless energy found outlets at Memorial Road Church of Christ where she would teach your children or wrap you up in authentic Bible times costumes for the VBS play. Her legendary hospitality made her loved by all as she opened her home for many Q-Groups, showers and Sunday dinners. Working alongside Stafford at Oklahoma Christian University, she was a leader in the women's association, organized the Women's Lectureship, and hosted the annual 4 th of July picnic. Over the years, the couple traveled the world on their shared mission for Christ.
For almost 40 years JoAnne visited Oklahoma jails and prisons teaching women the simple gospel truth – Jesus died for all. She told an Edmond Sun reporter, "It tugs at my heart that I've had so many advantages, while most people in prison haven't had any. It's my responsibility to share what I have." Many of these women could echo the sentiment spoken by one, "Everything I have is because of you."
Born on May 9, 1935, the fourth daughter of Lee Warren and Margaret Boswell of Lakeland, Florida, JoAnne was a "Florida girl" all her life. She loved the beach and knit her family together with many trips to play in the sun by the shore. JoAnne gave her family extravagant care with every birthday celebrated, each holiday an occasion for fun. She said "I love you" with many Sunday roasts and her famous pound cake. Family adventures in the Holy Lands were a thrill, riding camels by the pyramids, sailing across the Sea of Galilee, or retracing the steps of Jesus.
Preceded in death by her husband, parents and a sister, Patricia Lanier, JoAnne is survived by her son, David (Beverly) North, daughters Julie (Steve) Anderson of Edmond, Linda (Mike) Parker, and Susan (Chuck) Monan of Maumelle, Arkansas; sisters Janelle Owen, Sylvia Branch and Beverly Peddy; along with brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. Her legacy lives on in 10 grandchildren, their spouses and 17 great grands who will always love their Mama Jo.
The family invites you to visitation at Matthews Funeral Home, Friday, August 28, at 5:30 to 7:30 and a celebration service at Memorial Road Church of Christ, Saturday, Aug. 29, at 10:30. Donations can be made to Oklahoma Christian University for JoAnne's Kitchen Fund. http://give.oc.edu/joanne