JoAnn Blackard Dorn Obituary (1940 - 2017)

JoAnn Dorn, 77, of Dover, Arkansas, went to be with her Lord on November 29, 2017, at the Arkansas Hospice House in Russellville. JoAnn was born November 3, 1940, in Hickeytown, Arkansas, to Sena Bell (Whorton) Blackard Parsons and David Earl Blackard. She graduated high school at Lamar in 1957. She was preceded in death by her best friend and husband of 52 years, Melvin Dorn, as well as her mother and father; sister-in-law, Bobby Blackard; and a brother-in-law, Glenn Dorn (Juanita). JoAnn is survived by her children, Ted (Kathleen) Dorn and grandson Brent Dorn of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Rusty (Nikki) Dorn of Dover; and grandchildren Weston (Victoria) Dorn of California; Kabria, Linton and Kaydon Dorn of Dover; one great grandchild Riley Dorn of Dover; two brothers David Blackard (Alesa) of Fort Smith; and William (Bill) Blackard of Virginia; as well as many other relatives, friends and co-workers at Millard-Henry Clinic, where she worked for many years. Granny Jo loved her grandbabies. She was always loving and fussing over them. As they got older she still made sure to have their favorite meal ready for their visits. When you ate at Granny Jo's you were always well fed and loved. The person that coined the phrase, "Leading from within" must have had the pleasure of working with JoAnn Dorn. JoAnn had a loving servants heart. JoAnn was very devout in her faith. She attended Zion Lutheran Church where she served as the church secretary for many years, was involved with the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, the Augsburg Food Pantry, VBS, and Evangelism Committee. Many children came to VBS via the back of JoAnn's truck. She was a motivator in many young people regularly attending church. If you did not attend, you could expect a call from JoAnn with a "missed you at church Sunday." One of JoAnn's favorite songs was," Jesus Loves Me" and you could hear her sing that to many of her grandchildren at any time. She was very involved in the community including the Dover PTA and Booster Club, managing the athletic concession stands at the Dover Schools for many years, she was instrumental in helping to build a field house at Dover School, a Study Hall teacher and remedial reading aide at the school as well. JoAnn was also very involved with the Dover Chamber of Commerce. She served on the board for many years and was involved in the Ozark Memories Day functions, as well as helping the children in need at school with clothing and supplies. JoAnn, along side friend Jean Hemmer, lead many children in the Busy Beavers 4-H club. JoAnn was always ready and eager to help someone in need. Even though she was dedicated to her community, faith & friends, JoAnn was also a hard-working partner with her late husband farming cattle and timber. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am, Saturday, December 2, 2017, at Zion Lutheran Church, with Rev. Reed T. Shoaff officiating. Burial will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in London, under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service. The family will gather for visitation on Friday, December 1, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the church, 93 Augsburg Road in London. Friends may sign the registry and view Mrs. Dorn at the funeral home Friday evening between 5:00pm and 8:00pm. No viewing on Saturday. Pall Bearers for JoAnn will be Robert Sims, Earl Schrock, Gordon Higgs, Kirby Hemmer, Marion Helton, and Stan Garner. Honorary Pall Bearers are Lawrence Steuber, Dr. Robert Thurlby, and Jimmy Birkhahn. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Augsburg Food Pantry Building Fund at Zion Lutheran Church, 93 Augsburg Road, London, AR 72847.