Recently, I said goodbye to the most beautiful (and opinionated!) person I have ever known - my sister, Joanie. While many little girls my age were playing with Barbie dolls, I was convinced by sister was really her.
Joanie was a 1962 graduate of White County High School, and, shortly thereafter, she experienced love at first sight, all because of a speeding ticket. Richard Dalton, a young soldier stationed at Fort Campbell, was driving through Sparta at an unacceptable rate of speed on his way to Knoxville and was brought to the jail. (In those days, it was required that the sheriff live at the jail.) When the ticket was paid, our dad, who was sheriff at that time, told him he was free to continue his journey, but Richard politely informed him that he wasn't going anywhere because he had met Joanie, and she had invited him to stay for dinner. Joanie and Richard married in March 1963, returning to his hometown of Austin, Texas, where they resided until his passing in 2021.
Joanie is survived by four children, Richard, Randy, Amber (Brad), Allison; four grandsons, River (Bradi), Bradley (Angela), Buck, Santana; sister, Lorie (Rob); and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by patient and understanding parents, Joe and Lorene; beloved brother, Joe (we both know he was Lorene's favorite); and twin infant sons who died shortly after birth.
She was retired from Texas Medical Association Insurance Trust where she was known for sharing chocolate, coffee, and conversation with co-workers.
Like so many others we have all known, my sister fought a heroic battle with cancer. Many thanks to Sparta friends and family who sent words of encouragement and kept her in your thoughts and prayers during her illness, especially Dan and Dora Cummings. She loved all of you!