Joanne Steves Sims

Joanne Steves Sims, 63, fondly known as Jo, passed away on September 22, 2023, in Austin, Texas, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a woman of great strength, warmth, curiosity, and adventure who approached life as a participatory experience and one to be fully embraced.
Jo was the beloved daughter of the late John and Hope Steves (2007 & 2011), cherished sister of the late Tom Steves (2017), and loving mother to her infant twin sons, Daniel and Nathan, who preceded her in death in 1993. She is survived in Austin by her husband, Greg, and their two sons, Kevin (Lydia) and Cody, older brother Jeff (Diane) in California, cousins Becky (Paul), Carrie (Mike), Jan (Jay) and Mimi (Matt) in Maine and extended family in California and Maine. Her network of friends is spread across the country with many dear friends from her life at James Madison University, University of Alabama at Birmingham and here in Austin.
Jo received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from James Madison University, Virgina (1981) and Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (1988). She and Greg married in 1985; they moved to Austin, Texas, in 1988, where she worked at The University of Texas at Austin.
In her professional life, Jo excelled in several roles, including researcher, teacher, program analyst, and marketing coordinator. Her work was characterized by her analytical approach, unique ability to connect with people, understand their needs, and provide solutions that were both practical and innovative.
She was particularly proud of her work with Amplify Credit Union's Social Impact initiatives and her years with the Texas Health & Human Services - Early Childhood Intervention program, both of which were specifically focused on improving the lives of others. By extension, her support of Greg's career enabled him to also focus on improving the well-being of others across the US and globally (Angola & Kazakhstan).
An adventurous spirit, Jo had a deep love for being physically active and everything "nature." Paired with her curiosity and love of being with family and friends, these life experiences ranged from scuba diving to sky diving (yes, we have a video to prove it), hiking and white-water rafting, being at the beach and in the ocean to just sitting peacefully while embracing the beauty of nature.
With family & friends, she enjoyed being in the mix of whatever was going on and would wholeheartedly revel in the moment. Her boisterous and lively laugh reflected her love of life. Jo's curiosity and interest in others were the foundation for her engaging with people. Many a good time and friends followed these "What's your story?" inquiries. She was known to be respectful, direct, and honest in her relationships with others while expecting and valuing the same in return.
Jo loved chronicling the many moments of our life in her scrapbooks and thoroughly enjoyed the meticulously creative process. She was not one to do the minimum. These books of memories have brought much enjoyment and comfort to our family, especially during the past few weeks.
Our family will hold a private ceremony next summer at The Dolan Camp on Cold Stream Pond, Maine. Since 1957, Cold Stream Pond is where her extended family has historically gathered for vacations and celebrations and since childhood was Jo's "Happy Place." That tradition has continued across generations. An Austin gathering of family and friends is being planned with further details to be announced.
Our family would like to express our gratitude to all those who helped Jo navigate her health journey, honoring her wish to always focus on that delicate balance of the quality and quantity of life. We are forever grateful to: Dr. Robyn McCarty, Dr. Sunyoung Lee and the wonderful staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Ascencion Seton Hospital staff and Dr. Sarah Mills and her Palliative Care team, Dr. Wu and the wonderful staff at Hospice Austin - Christopher House.
In lieu of flowers and food, we would request a memorial donation be made in her honor to Sea Turtle Inc. at https://seaturtleinc.org/ Sea turtles are her favorite sea animal!
Our belief is Jo's not gone; she's gone ahead. There's a difference. We will be with her again.
Love lasts forever!