Joan Colleen Meradith

Joan Colleen Johnsen Meradith was born on August 9th1947 in Hamburg Iowa. She was taken to her prepared Heavenly home on May 9th 2026, escorted by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Soon after her birth she was adopted by Conrad and Mildred Johnsen, who loved and nurtured her into her adult years. 

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Thomas G. Meradith, Daughter Traci Lynn Meradith (Gary) Tierney, Sons Thomas Lee Meradith, Adam Clark Meradith. Grandchildren Joseph Michael Gardner, Kaitlyn Marie Meradith, Emily Rose Meradith. Great-Grandchildren Alexis, Jaylee, David, and Mateo. Plus brother-in-law Richard Lee Meradith, many cousins, nephews, nieces. All beloved and cherished. 

Joan put her family in priority for every decision she made. She was always firm in her convictions, but love and concern for her loved-ones was her constant guide and North Star. She was a stay-at-home mom until the children were in school and occupied for the day. Then she worked as a legal secretary for a law office in Blair NE. 

Because of her abiding faith in Christ, she wanted to be in vocational Christian ministry. That opportunity came when she took the position of Office Manager for CBMC (Christian Business Men’s Committee). While there, she met Pastor Bob Timberlake, the CEO of Open Door Mission. He offered her the position of his Private Secretary. She gladly accepted and by many came to be known as “Good Ol’ Joan”. 

Joan also had the privilege of working for the now CEO of Open Door Mission, Candace Gregory in various administrative capacities. She loved her work at the Mission, but her heart tugged to work with others on a more hands-on basis. That opportunity came when she was asked to join the teaching team for a new start-up alternative high school for troubled kids called the Omaha Street School. 

She loved the kids there and many returned that love to her. There is where she got her new name, “Mama Joan”. Many of her students continued calling her periodically during the years just to see how she was doing. 

At her retirement from the Street School, Joan again cemented her calling of being the best Mom, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Aunt that anyone could have. Not to mention the continuing love for a greatful life-mate and husband.