Hazel Laney

1933 - 2024

Joann Laney

December 3, 1933 - October 4, 2024

Flower Mound, Texas - Hazel Joann Laney passed away peacefully on October 4, 2024 in Flower Mound, Texas, at the age of 90, with her loving family by her side.

Visitation will be held from 6 - 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct 10, 2024 at First Baptist Church Arlington, located at 301 S Center St, Arlington, TX 76010.

Service and reception will be held from 11 a.m. Friday, Oct 11, 2024 at First Baptist Church Arlington.

Joann was born in Alice, Texas on December 3, 1933, to Judson and Hazel Wood. After graduating from Alice High School, she attended Baylor University and received her degree in Education. Later in life, Joann attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where she received a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Joann taught her first year in Alice before transitioning to the Arlington Independent School District, where she taught from 1955 until her retirement. Over the course of her career, she taught at West Side, Swift, Short, and Blanton Elementary Schools.

Shortly after moving to Arlington, Joann met the love of her life, James C. Laney. They married in 1956 and began a beautiful life together, sharing over 64 years of wonderful marriage.

After retiring from teaching, Joann continued to serve her community for 25 years as a volunteer at Mission Arlington. She had a special passion for reading and writing, and treasured her time with her book clubs and the infamous "sewing" club. Joann also enjoyed working puzzles and spending time with family and friends, both old and new.

Joann was a woman of tremendous faith, with God being front and center, along with family, church, and friends being the cornerstones of her life. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church Arlington. Joann taught several Sunday School classes, served in the Singles Ministry, New Members Orientation, the Girls Auxiliary, and attended the Etc. Class and Bible study regularly.

Joann led by quiet example; she was a mentor to many by her unwavering faith, sweet spirit, and sense of style. She will be remembered as a beautiful, kind, loving, and genuine soul who touched the hearts of everyone she met.

Joann is survived by her two sons; Todd (wife Traci), Bruce (wife Jodi); grandson, Justin (wife Courtney); great-grandson, Crosby James, and is expecting a second great-grandson, Jack Stephen, in 2025.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; parents, Judson and Hazel Wood; sister, Martha Wood Williams; brothers, J.W. (Dub) Wood, Carl Eugene Wood, Robert (Bob) Wood; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Donations in her Memory can be made to Mission Arlington.