Joann Slovacek

1943 - 2025

Joann Ella Slovacek, 82, of Snook, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

Joann was born on March 20, 1943, near Somerville, Texas, to Joe Albert and Ella Millie (Ondrasek) Jakubik. She was baptized on August 16, 1943, in Snook. Joann attended Snook High School, graduating with the class of 1961, and then continued her education at McKenzie-Baldwin Business College in Bryan.

During her high school years, Joann was crowned SPJST Queen, a title that reflected her poise, grace, and active role in the community even at a young age. After business school, Joann worked at Texas A&M University for a short time. Her life changed when she met Rayfield Slovacek, the man who would become her husband and life partner for more than six decades. They were married on August 18, 1962.

Joann quickly embraced the rhythm of family and community life, joining Rayfield, alongside Oscar and Linda Slovacek, in operating Slovacek Bros. Grocery and Market in Snook for more than 20 yrs. While working at the store, Joann began her career with the United States Postal Service first at the Snook Post Office, then in Bryan and Millican, before transferring in 1991 to the Caldwell Post Office. She served her community with a warm smile and unwavering dedication for over 26 years, retiring from the United States Postal Service on October 31, 2003.

After retirement, Joann and Rayfield ran a commercial cow/calf operation on the family farm in the Providence Community. Over the years, their farm was home to far more than beef cattle they also raised hogs and dairy cattle, a reflection of their deep connection to agricultural life and the work ethic it demands.

Joann's greatest joy was raising her two sons, Darryl Wayne and Joseph Ray "Joey". She was an active and devoted mother serving as youth leader for the SPJST Youth Club, Club Manager for the Snook 4-H Club, and the constant behind-the-scenes force that kept projects and travel running smoothly. Whether it was hauling cattle to livestock shows or standing ringside with encouragement, Joann gave her sons not just her time, but her whole heart. When Joey's focus turned to rodeo, with her trusty VHS camcorder Joann recorded hundreds of rodeo memories that are still preserved on tapes in the family home.

She believed deeply in education and proudly watched both sons graduate from Sam Houston State University, a milestone she encouraged from the time they were young.

Joann's roots in the community ran deep. She was a devoted member of the Snook Brethren Church and the Snook Brethren Christian Sisters, and she gave her time to the Snook PTA, Snook Extension Homemakers, SPJST Lodge #9, and the Snook Fest Committee. She was a constant presence at local events, not just attending but contributing in ways that left things better than she found them.

Joann became "Gammy" with the birth of her grandchildren, Dylan and Brighton. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Joann's garden was her sanctuary. Rows of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and beans grew under her careful tending, each plant a testament to her patience and love. Her garden was more than a place of work, it was where she found peace, where she prayed, and where she connected most deeply to God's creation. Those she loved were often sent home with baskets overflowing with the fruits of her labor, given as freely as her time and care. She made sure each had a basket of fresh vegetables from her garden every year to enter in the Snook Fest contest.

Her dewberry and peach cobblers were famous among family and friends and eagerly anticipated at church gatherings, community events, and family celebrations. Many times, she would arrive with them still warm, fresh from her oven, a gift of both love and skill. She helped her grandkids prepare her signature cakes each year for the Brazos County 4-H Cake Show, where they proudly brought home Grand Champion ribbons for several years in a row.

Joann's life could be summed up simply: she was the ultimate caregiver. She gave generously her time, her energy, her patience, and sometimes even the shirt off her back. She cared for family, neighbors, and friends with the same commitment she brought to every role in her life.

She was preceded in death by her father, Joe Albert; her mother, Ella Millie (Ondrasek) Jakubik; her in-laws, Oscar Slovacek Sr. and Rosalie Hejl Slovacek; and her nephew, Chad Robert Kovar.

Joann leaves behind her husband of nearly 63 years, Rayfield Slovacek; her sons, Darryl and wife Jackie of Snook, and Joey and wife Jennifer of Bryan; her grandchildren, Dylan and wife Kayle of Caldwell, Brighton and husband Dalton of Sealy; Mason and wife Kristen Hein of Bryan, and Morgan and husband Crayton Matejek of Bryan, and her four great-grandchildren, Ellie Kate Slovacek, Swayze Ella Brown, Kori Lee Hein and Easton Wayne Matejek.

She is survived by three sisters and their husbands: Dorothy and John W. See Jr. of Snook; Shirley and Rev. Harry W. Lewis of Somerville; and Yvonne and Larry Kovar of Snook; and two brother in-laws and their wives, Oscar and Linda Slovacek of Snook and Harry and Kaye Slovacek of Plano.

Joann's presence was a steady anchor for her family and in the community, a voice of encouragement, a source of warmth, and a living example of what it means to give of yourself fully. Her faith, love, and unwavering dedication will remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

Persons interested in making a memorial contribution can do so to one of the following organizations; Snook Brethren Church, Snook Brethren Christian Sister or the Snook Cemetary Association.

Services and arrangements for Joann Ellla Slovacek were entrusted to Strickland Funeral Home, Caldwell, TX.