Joann Patton, a cherished mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend  passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025 at the age of 80.   Born on March 28, 1945,  in El Paso, Texas she was the beloved daughter of Roland Lamar “Buzz” Hamblin and Ida Mae Whetten.  Her mother Mae,  traveled alone to El Paso by train to give birth while Roland Lamar “Buzz” Hamblin, a US Naval pilot engaged in anti-submarine warfare, remained stationed at Naval Station Argentina in Newfoundland.  Just prior, he had survived the sinking of the USS Block Island-the only U.S. aircraft carrier sunk by German U-boats in the North Atlantic.  

JoAnn spent her earliest years at the Whetten cattle ranch in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico.  After World War II, the family settled in Tucson while her father completed law school, then El Paso where JoAnn graduated from Ysleta High School.  She pursued higher education with great passion-first attending Brigham Young University and later earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 1969, and a masters degree in Science from Texas A&M Commerce in 1999.  

JoAnn was a lifelong lover of literature and the arts.  She was bilingual and bicultural, having spent time at the Whetten cattle ranch in Colonial Juarez in Mexico as well as grade school years in El Paso, Texas.  Her musical talents, especially the piano, enriched the lives of many.  She accompanied Church services throughout West Texas and later served as a dedicated pianist in the Gilmer Texas First Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  

Her talents extended beyond music.  JoAnn loved gardening, reading, poetry, and Spanish Art.  She shared these passions with her students and community, inspiring many with her quiet wisdom and patient spirit.  

JoAnn devoted her life to education.  She taught both Spanish and English, beginning her teaching career in Killeen, Texas, later at Gilmer High School , where she served the students from 1972 to 1986, and then finished her career at McKinney High School.  Her calm spirit, commitment to learning, and devotion to her students left a lasting imprint on generations.  

More than anything, JoAnn was a woman of faith, kindness, and unwavering maternal love.  Her life was devoted to being the best mother she could be.  Her faith was central to her life, and she was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and lived her life in quiet service and compassion.  

Those left to cherish her memory included her children: Matthew Robert Patton IV and his wife Rebecca: Molly Ruth (Patton) Eliason and her husband Brad: Marcus Roland Patton and his wife Isaura, and her husband Andrew Robert Thompson.  She is also survived by sister Ida Nunley, her brother Randolph Hamblin, and five grandchildren: Matthew Robert Patton V, Samuel Patton, Jackson Robert Eliason, Brody Patton, and Avery JoAnne Eliason.  She was preceded on death by her parents, her first husband Matthew Robert “Pat”Patton III, brother Roland Elbert Hamblin, and sister Janel Hamblin Huber.  

A memorial service in her honoring JoAnn’s life will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Prosper, Texas on June 21, 2025 at 11 am.  Her family and friends will gather in love and rememberance of a life beautifully lived and deeply cherished.  In lieu of flowers the family has asked that in honor of JoAnn’s lifelong dedication to teaching that donations be made to Plan International (advancing children’s rights and equality for girls in over 80 countries 

https://plan-international.or…

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