Joan Rosalind Andersen

1940 - 2023

Joan Rosalind Andersen
Joan Rosalind Andersen 1940 - 2023
After a brave battle with kidney disease, Joan R. Andersen, age 83, died peacefully at home in Dripping Springs, TX on December 18, 2023.
Joan (pronounced Jo Ann) was born on May 2, 1940 in Midland Michigan to Hugh and Rosamond (Bowers) Oakley. She was a brunette beauty and cheerleader for Midland High School, Class of 1958.
Six weeks after graduation, Joan married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Andersen. They were married for 65 wonderful years. They called South Austin, Texas home for most of their married life.
At various times, Joan was a Sunday School Teacher, Director of Children's Ministry, Special Education teacher, radio and TV host, and public speaker. She was also a beloved Kindergarten Aide for 11 years at Veritas Academy in Austin, TX. She shared her talents over the years with First Evangelical Free Church, Austin, Grace Covenant Church, Austin, Westlake Bible Church, and First Baptist, Dripping Springs, TX, where she made and maintained life-long friendships with hundreds of Austinites.
In all her activities, Joan was acknowledged as a gifted teacher, mentor, and trusted friend. She was a born-again Christian who endeavored to become more of the woman God designed her to be.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents: Hugh and Rosamond Oakley, and son-in-law, Paul D. Wilkins.
In addition to her husband, Jerry, Joan is survived by her brother, Ted Oakley and sister-in-law Carol of Powell, Ohio. Daughters: Jill Wilkins, Dripping Springs, Julie & Joe Nichols, Montgomery, TX, Jennifer Gaines, Dripping Springs. Grandchildren: Aaron and Melissa Wilkins, Dallas TX, Adam Wilkins, Austin, TX, Zach and Ema Wilkins, Grand Forks, ND, Ryan and Marlene Nichols, College Station, TX, Blake and Kaitlin Nichols, Montgomery, TX, Ashlyn and Kyle Kinsinger, Bastrop, TX, Joseph Gaines, Carson Gaines, Brooke Gaines, and Holden Gaines all of Dripping Springs, TX. Great Grandchildren: Makennah Wilkins, Colin Wilkins; Olivia Nichols, Hattie Nichols, Oaklyn Nichols, Emerson Kinsinger, and two more great grandchildren expected in 2024. Niece and Nephews: Kent Oakley, Kristen Hoover, Kevin Oakley, and families. Nieces and Nephew: Ronnie Andersen, Molly Pope, and Heidi Andersen, and families.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11am on January 20, 2024, at First Baptist Church, Dripping Springs.