Joan Lopez

Joan Elizabeth Abbley Lopez, 78 went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on September 15, 2021.

Joan was born Feb. 6, 1943 to Elwood Abbley and Doris Spradley in New Orleans, La.  Raised in Pass Christian Mississippi on the Gulf Coast, Joan was a devout Catholic and beloved by all who knew her.  She is survived by her daughter, Jill Janelle Lopez; son, Joseph George Lopez Jr (Jennifer); grandchildren, Alexandra “Allie” Nova (Andrew), Joseph Arturo Ordonez, Eric Ordonez, Benjamin Blake, Marissa Hawk (Kaleb), Abigail “Pickle” Lopez; and great-grandchildren, Luke and Levi Hawk.  She was preceded in death by her mother, father, sister Brenda Kreeger Yetter, and husband, Joseph G. Lopez, Sr.

Joan attended St. Joseph’s Academy, the University of Southern Mississippi, Tulane University, and William Carey College.  She held degrees in Biology, Medical Technology, Teaching and Nursing.  She began her career working at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans and it was there she met her husband, Joseph George Lopez, Sr. through his sister.  They married Nov. 14, 1968.  Joan and Joe raced Thoroughbred horses in West Virginia before returning to New Orleans to start their small freight delivery company, Prompto Delivery, Inc.

She was a dedicated wife and mother who ensured she made every family event special and memorable.  Her smile would light up the darkest room, and her soft southern accent left you in suspense waiting for the next story about the good ole’ days.  And as kind and sweet as she was, make no mistake about it, she was a fierce competitor when it came to Bridge, Poker, or any trivia game.  She loved watching the Saints; however, anything less than a 30 point lead was too close for comfort- she didn’t like a nail biter at all.  Joan relished family outings where she would enjoy all-you-can eat Dungeness crabs, and boiled shrimp.  And she was never too busy to help a friend in need.

Her husband would say that Joan was going to teach the kids about the finer things in life, and he was going to teach them about life.  You sure did teach us all about the finer things.  Thank you for touching our lives.  Rest in Heaven, free from pain.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, you contribute to Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada (702) 385-2662 or catholiccharities.com. Joan especially liked the work they did to further Jesus’ love.

Visitation will be on Saturday October 2, 2021 beginning at 10am at Most Holy Trinity Church 9062 Kiln DeLisle Road, Pass Christian, Ms. 39571, and the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00pm.  The family will require masks to be worn. Burial to follow at Live Oak Cemetery.