Joan Anita Shackelford, 72
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 13 years, 6 months AGO
Our beloved Mom, Joan Anita Shackelford, slipped from the bonds of this Earth to the waiting arms of our Lord on June 8, 2012, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Mom was born to Neal Carlois Wilmot and Clara Mae Chalder Wilmot on Aug. 9, 1939, in Dubuque, Iowa. As a child she dreamed of being a professional dancer but found her joy in dancing socially throughout her years.
Our Mom led a very quiet life, intent on working hard and raising five children, mostly by herself. She instilled in us a moral code, a compassion for others and a strong work ethic. Though we had little, she often worked very long and late hours sewing clothes for us so we had Christmas presents. She always overcooked on the holidays, spreading a feast before us with leftovers for weeks! With humor in her heart, she was a great pawn for our jokes but usually had a better laugh than we did.
She retired as a secretary from Moorpark Community College in California and soon moved to Hayden Lake. In her retirement years she could often be found working in her yard, out on the golf course or at the casinos.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Neal Wilmot; her sister, Myrl Davis and grandson Timothy Shackelford. Her half-sister, Delores Sherman, still lives in Tennessee.
Joan is survived by her five children and their families: Daughter Kim (Jim) Heath and grandson Jared in Colorado; son Daniel Shackelford in Idaho; son Eddy Shackelford in Idaho, grandson Steven (Brittney) Shackelford and great-grandchildren, Aiden and Brooke in Colorado, and grandson Kenny in Idaho; daughter Cheryl (Martin) Velasquez, grandchildren, M.J. and Christine (Jimmy) Char, and great-granddaughter Kiara in California; daughter Rhonda Shaeffer and grandchildren, Dalton and Hilary (Will) Hamilton, and great-grandson Willy in Washington.
“In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2
Though Jesus had prepared your place, we were not ready to let you go…
Please sign Joans’ guest registry and view her online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.