Joanne Otwell

JoAnne Barber Otwell, age 67, of Coldspring, TX, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 2, 2014. A private visitation was held on February 3, 2014 with immediate family only. A celebration of life memorial will be held at the Camilla Twin Harbors Legion Hall, Post 629 in the near future. The date is still to be determined. JoAnne, the daughter of Joseph and Katherine Barber, was born in Gadsden, AL on September 10, 1946. She grew up there and graduated from Gadsden High School. She lived in Gadsden until she married her first love, Thomas Eugene Otwell. Later, she moved to the Houston area and settled in Coldspring, TX. After becoming widowed, she had the fortune of meeting her closest companion, R.J. Smith. Together, they enjoyed spending time with friends near the lake. JoAnne served many years as a member and officer of the American Legion. She was passionate about her family and enjoyed the outdoors. JoAnne is survived by her life partner of several decades, R.J. Smith, her daughter, Myra L. McBrayer, her son-in-law, Clinton J. Beckworth, her son, Mark Otwell and her daughter-in-law, Amy Thomas Otwell. Her grandchildren from Myra include Kathryn A. McBrayer, Ashley N. Beckworth, Dylan W. Beckworth and her great granddaughter, Khloe L. Burton. Her grandchildren from Mark include Corey S. Otwell, Andrew P. Fablet, and Sara C. Otwell. She also leaves behind siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends. JoAnne is preceded in death by Thomas E. Otwell, her husband, Joseph & Katherine Barber, her parents, her grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews, and many other loved ones. JoAnne’s family would like to thank the Legion Hall, Post 629, for their generous offer to host her memorial. JoAnne would have wanted her loved ones to be at peace and celebrate her life together.