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JoAnn Kinnison Fenelon was born on January 23rd, 1939, to parents, Carlton and Irene Weige Kinnison in Bellville, Texas. She passed away with her family at her side on May 9th, 2020 in League City, Texas.

JoAnn attended school in Bellville where she was head cheerleader, played in the concert and marching bands and for many years was the organist at St. John Lutheran Church.  After completing High School, she attended Massey Business College in Houston, Texas.  

From 1957 until 1963, she worked as a legal secretary for the law firm of O. Joseph Damiani. From 1966 to 1969, she was a regular guest panelist on Channel 11’s Public Affairs program Inquiry hosted by Sid Lasher. From 1977 until 1987, she worked at firms in the legal sector: Monshine,  Jordan & Osborne, Court Reporters, law firm Martin, Sperry and LeBoeuf, Maritime Lawyers Brown, Sims, Wise & White.

                                                    

JoAnn met Robert (Bob) Louis Fenelon through mutual friends, initially as a tennis partner. After several years of dating, they married in March of 1982. Once her youngest children graduated high school, they moved to Galveston and enjoyed the sea breezes at Pirates Beach. After Bob retired, they moved to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, where they exchanged Galveston’s breezes for four real seasons and a lovely lake view. They were active members of Christ of the Hills Methodist Church and participated in several Walks to Emmaus. During their 30 years of marriage, JoAnn and Bob traveled extensively throughout the United States, visited many countries in Europe, New Zealand and Australia and remained happily married until his death in December 2011. 

In 2012 she moved back to Texas to be closer to her children and beloved granddaughter, Elizabeth.  She found many quilting kindred spirits in the League City area where she settled and enjoyed many hours of stitchery and camaraderie with those esteemed ladies in her Stitching Sisters group.  She was an active member of League City United Methodist Church and loved working with the LCUMC Emmaus Group.

                                                      

JoAnn is survived by her son, William Brian Fogarty and partner Tin Tran of Houston; daughter, Lori Ann Carnes and husband Jay Carnes of Texas City; son, Lawrence Edward Fogarty and partner Brian Smith of Magnolia; brother, David Carlton Kinnison and wife Denise of Woodway; stepsons, Chris Fenelon and wife Kathy of Sugar Land, and Mark Fenelon; stepdaughter, Monica and husband Randy DeBord of Sugar Land; grandchildren, Elizabeth Carnes, Hayley Rogers, Matthew and wife Angela, Peter, Julia and Caroline Fenelon, Devon and husband Brandon Heidel, and Daniel DeBord; great-grandchildren, Ben and Hannah Fenelon; cats, Buttons and Bows; best friend, Jonina Winter; devoted caregiver, Melissa Medina with Right At Home as well as a host of other family and friends.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Bryan Batson, JR Harkless, Todd Stardig, John Hiser, Spencer Hiser and Paul Rattay.

    In lieu of flowers, donations in JoAnn’s memory may be made to the IPF Foundation at 2301 S. Tamiami Tr. Ste. 320 PMB 226 Estero, FL 33928 or to the League City UMC, Sanctuary Building Fund, 1601 W. League City Pkwy, League City,  TX 775773.

The Family will be Celebrating JoAnn’s life with a Visitation on Monday, May 18, 2020 from 9-11:00 a.m. with 11:00 a.m. Funeral Services to follow at Carnes Funeral Home – Texas City, 3100 Gulf Freeway, Texas City, Texas 77591. 

 

WHEN TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME