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Joann Langston Obituary
Funeral: 11 a.m. Saturday in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth, Fifth at Henderson Streets. The Rev. William M. Longsworth, senior associate, will officiate. Burial: Following committal services at 3 p.m. Saturday, Joann will be laid to rest in the Newport Cemetery in Newport. Visitation: She will lie in state on Friday at Robertson Mueller Harper, where her family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m.
Memorials: Those desiring are suggested to honor Mrs. Langston by making contributions in her name to the Twosome Class Scholarship Fund at the First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth.
A native of Burkburnett, Joann Hankins was born Jan. 23, 1930, the daughter of John and Mary Grace Hepner Hankins. She was a graduate of Bowie High School and received her B.S. degree from North Texas State Teachers' College. Joann married Donald B. Langston on Jan. 24, 1952, in Bowie, before receiving her M.S. from Texas Wesleyan College.
She taught English and journalism in public schools of Texas for four years before joining Texas Wesleyan College as a professor, teaching an additional 30 years.
Joann was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth, where she was a member of the Twosome Class. Along with her husband, Don, she was past chairman of reception and ushering; a member of the Ways and Means Committee; past recording secretary; and past chairman of church circle of United Methodist Women.
She was past president of the Faculty Women's Club at Texas Wesleyan, a member of the Woman's Club of Fort Worth, where she was past president of the Woman's Shakespeare Club and Round Table, and a former member of the Bible department. Her memberships also included the Mary Keith Isham Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Harris Hospital/Fort Worth Auxiliary Baord and Progressive Study Club, and Delta Kappa Gamma, American Association of University Women and Women in Communications (Theta Sigma Phi).
After taking early retirement in 1985, Joann and Don took 14 trips to Hong Kong. She accompanied her husband to Taiwan, where he was a consultant for General Dynamics. The couple also made vacation trips to Alaska, Bermuda, Europe, the Mediterranean and the Carribbean. Her hobbies included reading, volunteering, working on genealogy, playing bridge with her "Crazy Eights" group, and going to lunch and shopping with friends.
Survivors: Husband of 52 years, Donald B. Langston of Arlington; sons, Donald B. "Bob" Langston and his wife, Cindy, also of Arlington, and John Langston of Austin; granddaughters, Lauren and Kristen Langston; sister, Peggy Hankins Womack and her husband, Floyd, of Nocona; brother-in-law, John Langston and his wife, Dorothy, of Conroe; several nieces and nephews; numerous cousins; and countless friends and former students.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joann Langston
Mary Ann Shires
June 26, 2006
I also apologize for my delay in acknowledging Joann Langston's passing and offering condolences to her friends and family.
I was a bit of a rogue during my years at TWC (Class of '77), reluctant to work on The Rambler newspaper and possibly become part of the "establishment" that was a pox, real or imagined, for so many students during that era. Mrs. Langston graciously tolerated my rebellious spirit and she nurtured my creativity by allowing me to create Transitions, a literary publication. As opposed to the campus news contained in The Rambler, Transitions featured poetry and prose, accompanied by art and photography, all created by students and faculty members.
Although English/Journalism was not my first choice as a major field of study, working as a Writer for the past 28 years is evidence that it was clearly my best choice. The dream of a Journalism career became a realistic goal due to the professional and academic guidance, as well as the thoughtful encouragement, that was the essence of Mrs. Langston.
Joann Langston was truly a treasure, and my memories of her will always rouse feelings of fondness and admiration.
Amy Keen
April 30, 2006
I apologize for signing this guest book so late, but Mrs. Langston was one of my journalism teachers at Texas Wesleyan (Class of '85). She was definitely a sweet spirit whose love of journalism, teaching and her students shown through. I will never forget her nurturing us with a breakfast of sweet rolls and orange juice while we took our finals! What other professors can say they did that? She was a special lady who will be remembered by her students.
Glenn Evans
December 2, 2005
Mrs. Langston touched me during two episodes in my life. The first was my childhood on Hollowbrook Road, where her son, John, was literally my first friend and his mom was the most glamorous woman on the block. My memory might be tainted by the fact she always had Dr Pepper for us kids during snack times!
Much later, when I found myself recovering from a car wreck at Harris Hospital, she was a link to my profession as a journalist when I encountered her volunteering with all the Meadowbrook Methodist people at the hospital. I suffered a closed head injury, and my return to newspaper reporting was questionable. But Mrs. Langston encouraged my rehab by arranging interviews with herself and the other volunteers, as I worked on a little newsletter to see if I could still report. I leaned on her, knowing she was a member of my profession and a reliable backboard for my work.
I know her departure is a severe loss for John, Bobby and Mr. Langston, and pray you all are comforted in knowing how generous her spirit is and how genteel her carriage always was.
John Robinson
November 27, 2005
Don,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I just learned of it from Jim Robert's email Saturday afternoon.
John
Oliver Lee
November 26, 2005
Don: I read with sadness, that you have lost your wife and helpmate. I did not know Joann other than the few times we met at 'work' affairs. But as I read the above (or below?) eulogies, I note that she was some kind of special lady. My heart goes out to you. I would love to get together with you sometime....Ollie Lee
MiLena Balthrop
November 25, 2005
I have fond memories of Mrs. Langston from my days at Wesleyan. She was always so supportive. She was a charming delightful woman who made a difference in the lives of many students.
I offer my sincere condolences to the family. It is never easy to lose a loved one, but it's somehow even harder at the holidays. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
MiLena
Christina Cupit
November 25, 2005
Mrs. Langston, It's hard to begin to describe the way you touched me every other day when I awaited seeing you and Donald. You were one of the sweetest most honest and wise ladies I have ever known. You meant more then you'll ever know to me. I loved talking to you about any and everything, it didn't matter what it was we could talk about it. You are so beautiful inside and out. I hoped this would never happen but I know your watching over all of us and are in a happy place with God. I miss you SO much Mrs. Langston and I will always have you and your pretty smile in my heart forever.
Donald your in my thoughts always and there wasn't no two people in this world that belonged together the way you two did, and that means so much. God Bless
Robbin VanHuss
November 25, 2005
Mrs. Langston, I heard so many wonderful things about you from my daughter, Christina, for several years. I finally had the opportunity to meet you when you agreed to be the subject of a project I was working on in nursing school. It only took me about five seconds to understand why Christina loved you so much. You were kind, gentle, funny, and so very happy. I am thankful to have finally met the special lady in my daughter's life, and I cherish the time we spent together during those two interviews. I will always remember your girlish giggle and the way your entire face would light up when you spoke of Donald. Thank you for touching my daughter's life; I know she already misses you dearly. I am glad she was able to tell you she just found out she got into nursing school, and I know you will be smiling down on her through it all. This life has lost a very special and beautiful soul.
Jane (Rattan) Cooper
November 24, 2005
Mrs. Langston was a wonderful sponsor of the TXWECO yearbook. We had a lot of fun and she had a wonderful sense of humor. We did some things that must have irritated her at times, but she always reacted well and thought we were sweet. I asked her to robe me at my robing ceremony when I graduated from Texas Wesleyan. She was the teacher I felt closest to.
Herb Hays
November 24, 2005
To The Langston Family,
Joann was a very warm, funny and wonderful person with many former students who considered her a friend. I know everyone will miss her so much.
Bobbi & Bill Wilson
November 24, 2005
We will miss Joanns smiling face at the Gem shows. She made the show a little brighter always smiling and friendly to everyone. We hope to continue seeing you Don. Luv Bobbi & Bill
Mark Parker
November 24, 2005
The world has lost, and heaven has gained a truly wonderful person. She was one of my favorite educators during my time at Texas Wesleyan as well as the mother of one of my most cherished fraternity brothers. My deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Irene and Norman Cannon
November 24, 2005
Ah Don, how our hearts go out to you and your children during these sad times! Joann was such a beautiful light in all our lives and she will be sorely missed. Please know that you all are in our hearts and prayers.
Ronald Brown
November 24, 2005
My sincerest condolences go to Mrs. Langston's family. She was absolutely my favorite teacher at Birdville High School in the 1950's. Because of her, I decided to pursue obtaining my college degree (which turned out to be in English). Even though I haven't seen her for 50 years, I still think of her quite often.
Again, my heartfelt condolences.
Ronald Brown
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