Joann Shaw

JoAnn Virginia Shaw (Mitchell), 80, of Battle Creek, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2019 doing what she loved most, preparing a large Thanksgiving meal for her family.  Having her family together to celebrate life’s moments was what JoAnn loved most.  JoAnn was born June 8, 1939 in Alexandria, Virginia where she grew up as a child.  She moved to Battle Creek, MI as a young teen, attending Battle Creek Central High School and then graduating from Lakeview High School.  She played the accordion as a teen and was chosen as Cereal Bowl Queen during her High School years.   JoAnn and her husband Tom were former owners of Culligan Water Conditioning of Hillsdale, Michigan until 1986.  She was proud that their Culligan dealership was carried on by her daughter and son in law and now her grandson. She worked at Clark Equipment Company of Battle Creek until the company closed in 1986.  JoAnn worked for many years for Transamerica Insurance of Battle Creek and her early work life included working for CutRate Grocery chain of Battle Creek, Michigan. JoAnn spent her entire life serving her family.  Making sure that every member of the family was taken care of was her driven nature.  She also loved to travel and any chance to take an adventure.  She loved Northern Michigan and looked forward to an annual color tour outing each year.  She delighted in long road trips with her daughters and granddaughter and getting on an airplane to go anywhere was a favorite event.  Her home was her castle and she was thankful for her son, who maintained her home to her high standards.  JoAnn enjoyed baking and was famous for her Christmas Coffee Cake.  JoAnn was a happy spirit and was always humming a tune.  She is survived by her daughters Renee (Dennis) Rupert of Hillsdale, MI, Brenda Thornburg of Caledonia, MI and her son William Story of Battle Creek, MI.  Grand children Justin (Mackenzie) Rupert, Thomas Thornburg, Jessica (Stephen) Anderson and Rachael Story.  Great grandchildren Harrison Anderson, Rayleigh Kimble and Gabriella Kimble.  And her dog Bella.  JoAnn is also missed deeply by her lifelong friends Judi Griffin, Sue Hubbard and Ann Potter. JoAnn is proceeded in death by her mother Jule (Raymond) Lease, father Frederick Mitchell, brothers Barry and Wesley Mitchell, husband Thomas B Shaw, long-time companion Robert Mayberry and granddaughter Lacey Story-Robbins.  A Celebration of JoAnn’s life will be held at Central Christian Church, 713 Riverside Drive, Battle Creek, MI on December 13, 2019 from 1-4 pm.  Memorial donations can be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org, in memory of JoAnn Shaw.  Arrangements by Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services.