Joan G. Oswalt, 80, passed away on February 3, 2022, surrounded by her family.

She was born November 10, 1941, to the late Scott and Vergie B. Junkin Gee.  She attended New Hope School and graduated in 1959.  She furthered her education at the Mississippi University of Women, Columbus, MS.

She met the love of her life and was married on June 4, 1961.  She and Robert were blessed with 5 children.  She treasured her children and embraced the role as their mother.  She especially loved her role as "Momma Jo" to her 8 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.  It gave her great pleasure to cook a big lunch and have them gather around the family table each Sunday.

Momma was saved at a young age and was very active in her home church – Mt. Zion.  Her favorite Bible verse was Philippians 4:13.  She had a servant's heart and it showed in all the different ministries of the church.  She was involved in VBS, Youth Sunday School teacher, and former chaperone for youth trips to the mountains and beach.  She had a love for music and was very involved in the adult choir.  One of her greatest pleasure was being the church hostess and feeding her church family.  And to the ones who worked alongside her knew that when she pointed the finger at them, she meant business.

She devoted her life for 42 years as an assistant teacher and bus driver for New Hope School.  She had a passion for children and it showed each and every day.  Her hobbies included watching her grandchildren's activities, directing and catering weddings, playing as well as coaching softball, enjoyed going to yard sales, shopping, and following all Ole Miss sports.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband – Robert Vertis Oswalt; daughter – Cynthia Oswalt, and nephew – Michael Butler.

She is survived by her daughter – Angie (Larry) Austin, Columbus, MS; sons – Mark (Shelly) Oswalt, Scott (Pam Creely) Oswalt and Keith (Shannon) Oswalt; grandchildren – Nikki Austin, Chelsea Austin, Zachary (Ashley) Oswalt, Tucker Oswalt, Zoe Oswalt, Ethan Oswalt, Brayden Oswalt, and Hannah Oswalt; great-grandchild – Kyndal Austin; sister – Shirley Butler; brother – Jerry Gee; sister-in-law – Linda (Kent) Fultz, Faye Oswalt, and La Wanda Oswalt; brother-in-law – Terry (Mona) Oswalt.

Pallbearers will be Greg Gee, Judy Gee, Arnie Creekmore, Ronnie Oswalt, Carlton Oswalt, Neal Oswalt, Richard Junkin, David Sansing, and Ryan Oswalt.  Honorary pallbearers will be New Hope Class of 1959, Juanice Hayes and 55 plus at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Mr. and Mrs. Sammy Townsend, Current and Former Teachers of New Hope School, Ray Crane, Shirley Berry Gene Coleman, and the staff of New Hope Pharmacy, Andy and Wanda Bailey, Kenneth and Joyce Oglesby, MS #26 TOPS, David and Stormy Watson, Angelia Gray, Cyndi Sanders, Ashley Crane, Carley Adams, Lane Wright, John Inmon, Dr. Hill, Dr. Huxford , Staff of Allegro Clinic-New Hope, Caregiver – Gene Hanson, Dr. David Saum, Donna Silas Sunday School Class, David Dortch, Staff of Kindred Therapy and Hospice, Alan Crane, Brian Glover, Terry, and Sharon Whitten.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, OCC Shoe Box Ministry, 1791 Lake Lowndes Road, Columbus, MS  39702 or Trinity Place Activity Fund, c/o Nikki Austin, 250 Airline Road, Columbus, MS  38105 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105