Joan Ellen O'Connell

Joan Ellen Wilson O’Connell, 69, of Shreveport, passed away suddenly on January 6, 2024.

Memorial service will be held at 5:00 PM on Friday, January 12, at Boone Funeral Home. Officiating will be Bart Gould, friend and spiritual advisor to Joan. The family will receive guests one hour prior to service time.

Joan was born in New Orleans on June 29, 1954. She graduated from Riverdale High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Northwestern State University. She had a long and dedicated career in nursing throughout Shreveport-Bossier.

Joan married William “Bill” O’Connell on August 21, 1999. They would have celebrated their 25^th anniversary this summer.

In addition to her passion for nursing, Joan enjoyed gourmet cooking and gardening. She served the community as Chairperson of Christmas in the Sky with the Shreveport Regional Arts Council for two years. She trained service dogs, and answered the call for rescue in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. A born nurturer, Joan never met human nor animal that she was not ready to assist. She dedicated herself tirelessly to her family, but always found time to help a friend. She had the opportunity to share her boundless love at St. Jude Children’s Hospital. She always found room in her heart and her house for a dog or cat needing a home.      

Joan is survived by husband Bill, daughter Renee Mobley Counts and husband Nathan, son Briggs Mobley and wife Nancy, sisters Peggy Marquez and husband Al, and Carol Hood and husband Terry. Loving  grandchildren are Avery Ella Buhl, Tallulah Counts, Benton Counts, and Stuart Mobley. Also mourning Joan’s loss are her stepdaughter Vanessa O’Connell and children Sylar, Lincoln and Lexi; and stepson Patrick and son Renton.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Edell Wilson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.