Joan Ussery of Conroe died of Alzheimer's disease in Montgomery, Texas, on November 9, 2017. She was born on September 26, 1932, in Nowata, Oklahoma, the seventh of nine children delivered to Alphonse and Agnes Van Haverbeke.
Joan graduated valedictorian of New London (Texas) High School in 1950, then earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Sacred Heart Dominican College in Houston in 1954. She married Hermon D. "Skeet" Ussery in Gladewater, Texas, on January 11, 1958, a perfect love that endured for 53 years until his death in 2011. She was a nurse in several facilities, most notably at the old Montgomery County Hospital on First Street in Conroe and the Montgomery County Health Department for many years, serving as Director of Nursing at both facilities. She made a lasting impact on the lives of hundreds of coworkers and patients for more than forty years before retiring from nursing in 1995.
Her passing is mourned by her children: Aileen Graybill (and husband Garry) of Conroe, son David Ussery of Montgomery, and daughter Dr. Beth Lewis (and husband T.J. Aulds) of Corpus Christi. She will also be missed by her grandson Buster Graybill (and wife Jasmyne) of San Antonio and granddaughter Mandy Pate (and husband Jason) of Austin. She was grateful to enjoy the blessings of the Pate great- grandchildren: Ashlyn Faith, Savanna Grace, Jaycee Hope, and Jason Barrett, all of Austin. She is also survived by her sister, Patsy Kozub of Conroe, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation with the family will be from 5 pm-7 pm on Monday, November 13, with the funeral service on Tuesday, November 14 at 2 pm, both at Metcalf Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at Garden Park Cemetery immediately following the funeral.
The family wishes to thank her wonderful home caregiver Mirella Avila, the volunteers of the Friendship Center of Willis, the members of the Gathering Place of Conroe, and especially the staff of Virginia's Hospice and Silver Hills Assisted Living Center for their care, love and dignity shown to Joan in her final months.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Joan to:
"The Gathering Place" First Methodist Church Conroe (Memory Care Ministry) 4308 W. Davis
Conroe, TX 77304

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Emileen Atkinson
December 1, 2017
Ohhh so sorry I didn't know of her passing. I met your mom in 1973 when my child was born with PKU. I last saw her at your father's service. She was beyond, a wonderful person. Always a smile for everyone. My daughter Angie & I will always remember her and her kindness above her health care.
Stacie Williams
November 20, 2017
I did not know your mother well; however, she seemed like an amazing, kind, and gentle woman. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers as you experience grief for her passing. If you need anything at all, I am here.
Linda Knight
November 17, 2017
David Aileen and Beth. So sorry for your loss. She was a very nice lady. God bless all of you. 
Linda Vornkahl /Paras Knight
November 17, 2017
Joan was one of the most wonderful ladies I ever met. She was so caring, willing to help all her patients. She had such a tender way with everyone that as ill.
 One of the best nurses ever. So sorry for your loss. Hang on to all the good memories, I know you have many, she brought a smile to everyone she met.
November 16, 2017
A gentle soul.  We so enjoyed caring for both of your parents through the years.  They were wonderful people.  Our prayers are with you.  
Rise' & Marshall Preslar
November 15, 2017
Aileen, David and Beth.  My sympathy on the loss of your
mother.  She was a great lady and a joy to know.  My love to
all of you.  Imogene Giesinger
Lenora Keas
November 14, 2017
I send my sincere sympathy for the loss of your dear Mother. She leaves a lovely and meaningful legacy in her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Retta St. Martin
November 13, 2017
Aileen, David, Beth and family our deepest condolences at this time of your loss. Aunt Joan was loved by all.
Marilyn Gregory
November 13, 2017
My deepest sympathies to all Joan's family. She was an inspiration to me from the 1st time I met her on 2 West at the old Montgomery County Hospital in 1965. She guided me at the age of 15 to a career that is continuing in to my now 52nd year, 20 of these as an RN and 17 as a nurse practitioner. She helped me see early on the value of helping others, not only to the patient but to each of us as nurses. I am so thankful that before she left the Health Department I had an opportunity to share with her personally how she had influenced my life as well as so many other young women down thru the years. Her memories and ethics and her abilities as a nurse and nurse manager live on thru her family and many others.
Thank you Joan!!
Condolences,
 Marilyn Gregory
Howard Galaway
November 13, 2017
To the Family. I am sorry for your loss. I know you are saddened by the loss. God Bless you all.
Craig Smith
November 13, 2017
Aileen, Beth, and David,
We were so sorry to hear of your Mother passing away. I have very fond memories of her from our childhood days of growing up and visiting The Smith's and you guys on Crooke Street. You know she is in a far better place and no more suffering. She will remain in your heats forever!! 
Craig and Dolly Smith, Humble, Texas
Robert Mikell
November 12, 2017
I enjoyed meeting and talking to Joan while I was in Texas,My Sincere condolences to the whole famiy,Bob Mikell,Peachland,Nc
Teresa Soliz-Strickland
November 12, 2017
Aileen and family our deepest condolences to you and family
November 12, 2017
Aileen and family our deepest condolences to your family.
Chip VanHaverbeke
November 12, 2017
God gained another wonderful angel! I Love you Aunt Joan!
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