JoAnn was born on October 12, 1932, in Pecan Gap, Texas. She was the fifth behind two older brothers (Hershel and Charles) and two older sisters (Miriam and Helen). Her younger brother, "Chuggy," came a few years later. Her parents (Charles Vinson Baker and Verne) were sharecroppers during some incredibly tough times. Mom used to tell us about picking cotton and watching planes fly overhead. And she loved the sunshine. It wasn't until she was in her teens that the family enjoyed running water. 

Thanks to her older brother's generosity, she attended nursing school in Lubbock, Texas, and became an RN. Not long after, JoAnn met a young Air Force pilot, Jack Sturgeon, and married him in 1953. They welcomed their first son, Michael, in 1954 and were stationed in Japan for several years. The Air Force moved them frequently to bases in Arkansas, Virginia, California, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Nebraska, and finally, Ohio. 

Two other sons, Scott and Chris, joined the family in 1962 and 1964. Eventually, Jack would retire from the Air Force and move the family to Tennessee in the mid-70's. Once the boys were old enough, JoAnn started working again as an RN in Dayton, Tennessee. In the late 1980's, she moved on her own to Los Angeles, where she became a traveling nurse throughout southern California.

Mom married Oscar Sepp in 1994 and resided in Santa Monica and Redlands, California, where she lived until her death. She had just turned 90. 

Mom dedicated her life to her children. We are lucky to have had a mother so devoted to our upbringing. She taught us how to be kind to and respect others, to be self-sufficient, to work hard, and not complain. She would sing to us at bedtime, read to us when we were sick, and she was always there for us when we needed help or guidance. 

Mom was also dedicated to her faith. Raised Church of Christ and later becoming an Episcopalian, her devotion to her church was inspirational. One of her favorite bible passages is one that many know from Isaiah (40:31), "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." 

Mom is with her "momma and daddy" again, right where she wants to be. She leaves behind her three sons, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. 

Thank you, Mom, for all you did for all of us. We miss you dearly.

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