JoAnn DuBois Colbert, 77, of Humble Texas died May 6th, 2017. She was born in Canby, Minnesota, Daughter of John and Mildred Vernlund.
The joy of JoAnn’s life in her recent years was volunteering at the IAH Houston Airport System, Humble Citizens Police Academy, Houston Super Bowl Host Committee, Jesse Jones Park, Humble Area Assistance Ministries Meals on Wheels program, and the Lamb of God Church of Humble. She was also a member of the Red Hats Society and spent Tuesdays and Wednesdays bowling with the Humble Senior Center and the Alley Cats Bowling League.
She leaves her daughter Danielle DuBois and her Fiancé George Eckmeyer III of Reno, NV, step-daughter Stella DiToma of Seattle, WA, sister Ruth Johnson and her husband Richard of Canby, MN, brother Lenus Vernlund and his wife Carlette of Alexandria, MN, brother Allan Vernlund and his wife Peggy of Belle Fourch, SD, brother Steven Vernlund and his wife Marinda of Canby, MN. She is also survived by her in-laws, Jerry and Patsy Colbert of Humble, TX. She also leaves many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Buddy “Big Daddy” Colbert.
At her request, there will be no formal service for JoAnn. However, friends and family are welcome to stop by her home anytime to say goodbye in their own way. Also, a memorial website is available at www.rosewood.cc for correspondence and photos.
JoAnn found out just a month ago that she had stage 4 cancer. It was a shocker since she never felt sick, just had a bump in her neck she wanted to have looked at. We discovered lung cancer that had spread everywhere and could not be cured. Mom went through 2 weeks of radiation on her brain, where the most aggressive tumors resided. Although her taste for Miller Lite subsided, her craving for ice cream and cookies became ravenous!
We spent 3 weeks going on daily trips shoe shopping, wig shopping, and restaurant hopping. Spending afternoons in the sunshine and watching her wonderful neighbors entertain friends and family while always including and watching over us. We had a great time and giggled always.
Thursday, May 4th, mom collapsed and was taken to Memorial Hermann Northeast. Through the greatest care of hospital and hospice personnel, she was able to come home Saturday afternoon, May 6th. Although she could acknowledge some conversation she was primarily unresponsive, but she still flashed that award winning smile.
She spent her final hours in the comfort of her home with her daughter Danielle and step-daughter Stella, at her side. She was comfortable and content due to the hand of the Lord, who is walking her path with her. She told me before she slipped into a coma that she could FEEL HIM, physically holding her hand, something she has prayed for her whole life. ♡