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1949 - 2017

BORN

1949

DIED

2017

Joan HESS Obituary

HESS, Joan Edmiston Joan Edmiston Hess, author of more than 40 popular fiction books, died at home in Austin, TX, November 23, 2017. She was born in Fayetteville, AR, on January 6, 1949. Her first of many books, Strangled Prose, was published in 1986. She most recently completed the award-winning New York Times best-seller, The Painted Queen, for her friend Barbara Mertz, aka Elizabeth Peters. She is predeceased by her parents, Martha (Helen) Tidwell Edmiston & Jack Edmiston of Fayetteville. She is survived by her children and grandchildren: daughter Rebecca King, husband Jeremy, and their children Annabelle and Jack, of Austin; and son Dr. Joshua Hess, wife Tiffany, and children Charlize and Pierson, of Columbia, SC. She is also survived by her brother Dr. Dave Edmiston and wife Sharon, sister-in-law Karen Edmiston and nieces Ashley and Kate, all of California. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a gift may be made to Ozark Literacy Council, ozarkliteracy.org or Peace at Home Shelter, peaceathomeshelter.org

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Published by Austin American-Statesman on Nov. 29, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Joan HESS

22 Entries

shonda graham

July 8, 2020

It broke my heart to hear of her passing. I am now facing major medical issues and I am pulling out the Maggody series to read to keep my heart happy. I hope she knew that her books brought so much happiness and light into the dark times. When asked relationship to author, I noted Family, because that is the way her books made me feel. Born and raised in a small border town in Louisiana/Arkansas now living in CA she brought home and my crazy family to me.

May 23, 2020

just came across that Joan Hesss passing. She was a strong minded Lady. Now her and Barbara can write all the time and have their Gin time. Always enjoyed when she would come to visit Barbara. Thank you Joan (for your kind words)

Mary Jo

May 21, 2019

I am so sad that I just found out she passed. Loved her books, she was my favorite author, rest in peace....

Donna Munro

May 17, 2019

I've really enjoyed her novels. Great fun. Good heart.

Barbara Fenton

April 12, 2019

I just discovered her a few months ago, and just now went on line to send her a fan letter, and totally shocked to find out she has passed. What a serious loss...please to her family, I'll read every book 12April2019

kathryn wilkins

April 24, 2018

i am saddened to learn that one of my favorite authors had passed away - i have read and re-read the arly hanks books. ms. hess had an unforgettable talent for memorable characters - all those buchanons! i send my condolences to her family and friends.

Susan Grimes

March 31, 2018

To the family and friends of Joan Hess I extend my sincere sympathy upon learning that she has died. When I began reading mystery fiction for a hobby, I began with the Maggody series. Several years later, I had the joyful opportunity to meet Joan Hess in St Louis at a book signing. I brought my Maggody books and she signed them--while telling me that they were just fluff and that her other series was serious mystery fiction. She was delightful. I continue to read and save her books. Someday, my darling granddaughter will ask me what I am reading and I will tell her "Its a mystery--and I have saved a wonderful book to get you started!" Best regards and I apologize that I have learned of your loss so late.

Liz Ledezma

March 13, 2018

I just learned of her passing and I am deeply saddened. I was looking forward to the next adventure of Claire Malloy. Joan Hess was my favorite author and I feel like I have lost an old friend. I'm really going to miss her. My depest condolences to her beloved family and friends. Thank you Ms Hess for all the laughs.

Becky Ewens

March 11, 2018

I am so sad to hear of the passing of Joan Hess. My deepest condolences to her loved ones.
Joan's books have entertained me for years. The Maggody series with all the wonderful quirky characters and Claire Malloy and family felt like old friends. Joan was a rare writer who was able to make her characters feel so real while keeping a great sense of humor about them and their plights.

Sharon Cherry

February 27, 2018

I just saw of the passing of Joan Hess. My deepest sympathies to her family. She has provided hours of enjoyment for me in reading her books. I just discovered her books recently and have devoured them. She will be missed.

Cindy Ibberson

February 25, 2018

I am very saddened to learn of Ms Hess' passing. She has given me countless hours of happiness reading her Claire Malloy series. Not many authors can write humour, and have laughed often thanks to her talent and imagination. My sympathies to her family.

Gina Thayer-Coleman

January 17, 2018

So sorry to hear of Joan's passing. I have enjoyed her books immensely over the years and have recommended them to patrons at my library. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Kathy Prstt

January 17, 2018

I am so sorry to hear of ms hess's Passing. Wow her books gave me much fun and enjoyment over many years

Jane Davitt

January 15, 2018

Her books gave me so much pleasure over the years. She was adept at creating worlds I loved to visit. So sorry to hear this sad news.

Debbie Cleveland

January 14, 2018

Sorry to find out late about her passing. I really enjoyed reading her books. R.I.P.

Charlaine Harris

December 4, 2017

Joan was an indelible personality. No one who met her will ever forget her.

Toni Kelner

December 1, 2017

I'm so sorry to hear of Joan's passing. She was such great fun, as a writer and as a person. We in the mystery community will miss her dreadfully.

Judith Fisher

November 30, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of Joan's passing. I have enjoyed many hours reading her books. I am sure she will be sorely missed by her family and fans.

Sharon Graziano

November 30, 2017

First time l read a Joan Hess novel , l had to stop midway to check out the aurthor's bio. Was certain she was a local resident from my small community. Maggody could have been located in any state. Her books are some of my prize possessions. Joan gave her readers laughter and relieved our stress with each visit to Maggody. Sadden to know my collection is complete.Never wrote to tell her thank you so l wish to tell you, her family thank you for Joan.

Karen McKay

November 30, 2017

I am so sorry to hear this. I have read every one of Joan's books; she was my favorite author. I especially loved the Maggody series. My condolences to the family.

November 29, 2017

Our heartfelt condolences to the Hess Family
C&J Williams-Augusta,Ga

PAMELA GARTLAND

November 29, 2017

I am so saddened to hear of Joan's passing.She was one strong willed women who I admired .I wish I could have helped her more in her time of need but my work schedule went against it.
My condolences to her family and her dog Charlie who will greatly miss her.

SINCERELY
Pamela Gartland

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