JoAnn Yancy

JoAnn Gilbreth Yancy, 88, passed away in Kingwood, TX on Thursday, February 23, 2023. She was born on St Patrick’s day March 17, 1934, in Abilene, TX to Lucian and Pauline Gilbreth and raised from age 9 by her father and stepmother Ina Gilbreth.

JoAnn went to school at Abilene High and lived in Abilene, TX until 1978. During that time, she met the love of her life and husband of 53 years, John C. Yancy. In 1961 they adopted their daughter Karla who they raised in Abilene until they moved to the Dallas, TX area in 1978. Later they moved to Gun Barrell City, TX where she, Celia Yancy (niece-in-law), and her best friend Ann Scott, owned the retail store Somethin’ Country. After some time, JoAnn and Celia Yancy opened Prairie Star Originals in Canton, TX. JoAnn loved crafting, fashion, and interior decorating. She was well loved and had a full life.

She was predeceased by John C. Yancy (husband) and Billie Jean Luther (sister). JoAnn is survived by Karla Draper (daughter), Michael Draper (Son-in-law), Page Draper (granddaughter), Linda McIlhaney (sister), Bill McIlhaney (brother-in-law), David Gilbreth (brother), Bonnie Gilbreth (sister-in-law), Terry Gilbreth (brother), Pam Gilbreth Watkins (sister), Paula Klingler (niece), Paul Klingler (nephew-in-law), Amy Botkin (niece), Alan Botkin (nephew-in-law), Jeff Luther (nephew), Dawn Luther (niece-in-law), Lisa Hobart (niece), Peter Hobart (nephew-in-law), Steve McIlhaney (nephew), Julie McIlhaney (niece-in-law), Wendy McGowan (niece), Georgia Fischer (niece), Steve Fischer (nephew-in-law), Dillon Watkins (nephew), Carrie Page Adams (niece), Cary Adams (nephew-in-law), John David Gilbreth (nephew), Erika Gilbreth (niece-in-law), Teresa Graham (niece), Jack Graham (nephew-in-law), Judy Bolley (niece), Carroll Bolley (nephew-in-law), John J. Yancy (nephew), Celia Yancy (niece-in-law), Holly Bierman (niece), and Curtis Bierman (nephew-in-law).

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 18 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd., Abilene, TX. Graveside service will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 US Hwy 277 S., Abilene, TX.

Honorary Pallbearers will be John J. Yancy, Paul Klingler, David Gilbreth, Terry Gilbreth, Steve McIlhaney, and Peter Hobart.