Joan Eloise Wheaton

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving wife, mother and grandmother Joan Eloise Wheaton. She was 83. She left this life unexpectedly on Monday, December 12th, 2022 in Porterville, CA with family by her side. While her mind wanted to carry on, her body succumbed to heart and organ failure following complications from the flu and infection. She lived in Terra Bella, CA with her life-long partner and husband of over 60 years, Lorren Wheaton. She is loved and will be deeply missed.

Starting from a young age Joan was a trivia expert and world traveler, not by plane or train, but through her love of books! On many occasions she gave those Jeopardy champions a run for their money; from her recliner of course. She had great fascination and relished discussing different world cultures, historical periods, and events. I'm sure many of you enjoyed these conversations and how her eyes sparkled.

In her late teens, she became a professional Beautician and finished high school taking night classes. She ultimately owned her own shop, gaining numerous loyal customers over two decades. Occasionally, she ventured to someone's house who was too frail to get to the shop. She often shared her expertise with family and friends, including hair rescues and trying new hairdos.

Joan had so many talents, handily becoming an expert painter, advanced knitter and seamstress, and sculptor. She created many keepsakes such as paintings, beaded shawls, blankets, formal gowns, clothing that rivaled the best designers, and of course all her husband's shirts going back as long as we can remember. She was a craftsman who refinished furniture and did custom tile floors, countertops, and backsplashes. She was an amazing cook and it was common for her to get several calls in a day asking for time-honored favorite recipes and cooking tips! Many of these precious gifts remain to remind us of her love and talents.

Her biggest passion was her family, both immediate and extended. She was so proud, adoring, and fiercely protective, even when we gave her reasons not to be. She saw the best in all of us. She could not hold back her praise for her family and friends, and sometimes down-right bragged!

Joan was born on July 19, 1939, and raised by her parents Thelma and Rollin Maurice in Alameda, CA. She was the eldest of five children, who affectionately called her "Joanie." Preceding her in death are her parents Thelma and Rollin, sister Bette (Maurice) Yarbrough (husband Nelson) and brother Dave Maurice (wife Sue). She is survived by her husband Lorren, four children: Marie "Riesha," Wade (wife Cristy), June (husband Mike), and Paul (wife Brittany), seven grandchildren: David, Andrew, Kevin, Hannah, Nathan, Jason, and Wren, sister Gladys (Maurice) Vinatieri (husband Michael), brother Steven Maurice (wife Cindy), many doted on in-laws, out-laws, nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces, and a myriad of honorary children and grandchildren she welcomed into the family over the years.

Memorial services will be held in Porterville, CA on Saturday February 4th, 2023 from 11am to 3pm with a light lunch served, at Myers Reception Hall/Porterville Women's Club located at 265 North "E" Street.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you do something special for yourself or a loved one in Joan's honor.