JoAnn Furgason Uptmor

JoAnn Furgason Uptmor was born on December 20, 1940, in Cumberland, Kentucky, to Samuel
Lawson Furgason and Jo Frances (Steely) Furgason. She graduated from Cumberland High
School in 1959 and pursued higher education at Texas Woman’s University, North Texas State
University, and Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Kentucky. JoAnn earned her bachelor’s
degree from Cumberland College and began her career in education.
Her early teaching years were spent in Louisville and Carrollton, Kentucky. She later stepped
away from the classroom to focus on raising her children and dedicating her time to community
involvement.
JoAnn had a lifelong passion for Arabian horses and was actively involved in showing them
throughout Kentucky. In 1972, she co-founded the Kentucky Arabian Horse Association and
served on its Board of Directors for 12 years.
In 1984, JoAnn moved to Waco, Texas, where she resumed her teaching career and remained
in education until her retirement in 1999. After moving to Texas with her two children, she
became deeply involved in training and showing Australian Shepherd dogs in obedience and
agility. She was an active member of the PUP Dog Therapy Program at Hillcrest Baptist Medical
Center beginning in 2001 and later served as the program coordinator for many years. JoAnn
was also a member of the Centex Kennel Club, the WAG Dog Agility Group, and the Heart of
Texas Australian Shepherd Club. Additionally, she was a devoted member of Fairview Baptist
Church in Valley Mills, Texas.
JoAnn moved to Bend, Oregon after the death of her husband, Weldon in 2018. In Bend she
was active in the seniors ministry at Eastmont church and enjoyed spending time with her
family. She resided in Bend until her peaceful passing in her home on January 2, 2026.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, Weldon Uptmor, and her parents, Samuel and Jo
Furgason.
She is survived by her children, Anne Slaughter (Tobin) and Russell Harper; her grandchildren,
Sam, Lane, Kate, and Hadleigh; her sister, Nell Higgins; and her brother, Samuel Furgason.
JoAnn will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her love of teaching and animals,
and her generous service to her community.