Joann Fokes Obituary, Death – On October 5, 2022, Joann Fokes passed away from Alzheimer’s disease at the O’Bleness Hospital in Athens, Ohio. L.D. She was raised by her mother, Frances Ada Dodson Brauer. Del Rio, in the state of Texas, was where she was born. Her spouse Jack Murrah Fokes, her sister Marion (Sissy) Brauer Mayfield, and both of her parents passed away. Her brother Edwin Louis Brauer also passed away.
Joann received her diploma from Del Rio High School on June 12, 1945. After she graduated high school, she spent the next two years studying at Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio. She signed up to study at UT Austin. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1949, she began her teaching career in the Texas towns of Corpus Cristi and Comstock.
She wed Jack Fokes in 1953 and after their marriage moved to Uvalde, Texas. Clifford Howard Fokes and Jacquelyn Fokes, both of whom are portrayed here by Gerry Hillferty (Schuyler E. Cone). Jack Fokes was killed in a crash in 1957. Joann decided to go back to school. Her Master of Education degree was awarded by South Texas College in 1962, and her Doctor of Philosophy degree was awarded by Purdue University in 1967. She was a professor of speech and hearing at Ohio University. Dr. Fokes presented his lessons in an unorthodox manner. At the age of 28, she retired. Professor Emeritus in the year 1993
Both her job and her interests needed her to put in long hours. Joann cherished both her independence and her tenacity till the end of her life. Both Joann and her daughter Jackie were equestrian enthusiasts. Following the purchase of land in Athens County, they spent the next two decades training and showing Paso Fino horses. One of the first breeders in the state to show and sell this peculiar horse, and he was also one of the first. 104 horses total. Joann loved to travel whenever she wasn’t showing horses or going trail riding in the southeastern United States.
She was involved in both the breeding and rescue of Golden Retrievers. The trees, meadows, and pond on her property provide the perfect setting for her existence. Joann was an excellent cook. Every holiday and birthday was celebrated with a lavish meal consisting of multiple courses. Joann was well taken care of by the employees at the Lindley Inn.
Joann donated her body to the Osteopathic Medicine program at OU Heritage College. Public notice of the memorial service. Donating to organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association, the National Parks Conservation Association, Stuart’s Opera House, or the Ohio University School of Communication Sciences and Disorders is a thoughtful alternative to sending flowers. Joann Fokes
