Joann Marie Walkup

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend; Joann Marie Walkup. She passed away peacefully in her Monett, Missouri, home on February 4, 2025, at the age of 87.
Joann was born in Newhall, California, on November 11, 1937. She went to high school in Monterey. On August 7, 1954, in Marina, California, she married Bennie Carol Walkup. A few years later, and with toddlers of her own, she enrolled in San Jose State University to study early childhood development.
This prepared her for the next sixty years of being not only a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, but also a kindhearted foster mom. Joann served in the foster care system in both California and Missouri with a combined service of over four decades. She believed it to be her high calling to be a foster mom and did so until she was 80 years old, mothering over 150 children through foster care.
Joann was preceded in death by her loving husband of 48 years, Bennie Walkup; parents, Paul and Gabrilda Bricker; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Ruby Bricker; sister, Dorothy Mae; daughter and son-in-law, Rich and Marie (Walkup) Harper; godson, Harry Evans Redding; and her grandson, Matthew Walkup.
She is survived by her son, Ben Paul Walkup (Krissy); daughter, GayRuth Houts (Mike); daughter, Sarahsierra Tauai (Terry); son, Rick Walkup (Shelley); and daughter, Carol Akin (Anthony).
Joann adored her six children and considered her grandchildren one of life's greatest blessings. She had twenty-nine grandchildren, forty-one great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.
As a devout Christian, Joann was the driving force of her family. She attended Berwick Community Church for over twenty years and was one of the most God-fearing and loving women one could ever know. Joann was a very virtuous woman who believed all answers and guidance came from the Bible and her Heavenly Father. Though we grieve her passing, we have peace in knowing she is now with the One she so faithfully served.
"There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!"
Proverbs 31:29
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett. Interment will be in Spring River Cemetery, Verona. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to the Berwick Church or charity of choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.