Joan Murray Clinkenbeard

Joan Murray Clinkenbeard, age 82, of Springfield, MO., passed away Friday, December 30th, 2022 at Cox hospital surrounded by her children. Joan is preceded in death by her parents, Robert B. and Jule Jarrett Murray Sr., brother Jarrett Holland Murray, sister-in-law Darlane Murray, and daughter, Gretchen Clinkenbeard Palmisano.
A large and loving family survives Joan, better known as "Nana". Her two brothers Robert B. Murray Jr. and David Murray and his wife Terri. Her son Bobby Clinkenbeard and his wife Merica, and daughter Jane Clinkenbeard. Her nine grandchildren are Ty, Trace, and Jack Clinkenbeard, Jule Clinkenbeard, Connor Menown, Jenna Clinkenbeard, Paige Palmisano Bridgewater, Tony Palmisano, and Emma Palmisano.
Joan "Joanie" was a second mom to her younger brother David, always looking out for her "Crocket". She studied clothing design at the University of Arkansas, was PTA president at Holland Elementary school, and loved spending time playing bridge with her friends. For a number of years, she worked at the Next To New Shop and then took over operations of the Holland building for her father. She enjoyed many years at the lake with her parents, brothers, children, and nieces and nephews. Her last joyous role in life was that of "Grandnana" to her six great-grandchildren.
She had 3 children and 9 grandchildren graduate from and participate in sports at Glendale High School. She purchased dinners for teams, hemmed baseball pants, and purchased more discount cards and cookie dough than anyone. She was known for the "Nana bus" because she always gave rides to friends or teammates of her grandchildren. It did not matter if it was hot, cold, or pouring rain, she never left a game. There might have been a time or two when she corrected an umpire or referee. She was a fixture at football, baseball, cross country, softball, basketball, cheerleading, and girls and boys soccer. Because she was an avid supporter of all kids, in lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to Glendale Athletics.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools (FSPS):
Nana, you filled us with your life and have broken us with your passing. You will be forever loved and missed, and we are eternally grateful we got to have you.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 12, 2023 at Christ Episcopal Church, 601 East Walnut, Springfield, MO 65806. Burial will follow at Maple Park Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at www.gormanscharpf.com.