Joan Valentine Sullivan (Schultz)

Joan V. Sullivan 90, passed away peacefully and in the presence of family in Independence on January 28, 2021. Joan was born on February 14,1930 in Kansas City Missouri to Randy and Mandy Schultz. She grew up in Butler, Missouri where she attended school till the 8th grade. She met her first Love; Ira Garner at a “Honky Tonk” in 1946. After a 2 week courtship, they eloped in a neighboring state to hide her age with their hair all a mess, him with a stubbly face and her with a broken sandal. Together, they raised four children; Rickey, Ronnie, Zelda and Poo. Ira and Joan raised their family in the Kansas City Area. They were married 38 years until Ira’s passing in 1984. Joan worked most her adult life as a Graphic Artist for Western Auto. In 1977, she received her GED and Health Services Certificate from “The Rehabilitation Institute.” She went on to further her education in 1986 where she earned her Medical Assistant Certificate from “Eastern Jackson County College of Allied Health.” After 14 years of living alone, Joan met Bill Sullivan and they were married. They lived happily together in Odessa Missouri until Bill passed. She was lucky to fall in love once again and married Doc Waters. They lived together in Independence Missouri until he passed away, hence her self-given nick name “The Black Widow.” Shortly before Joan passed she had commented that she wondered what is was going to be like to be greeted by three husbands when she arrived in heaven. Throughout her life, she displayed her many talents. She was an Award-winning Published Poet. She was a talented Artist with a special knack at painting. She loved music and could play the Organ while her children and grandchildren sang along. She was a competitive player of Board Games, Bingo, Cards and Video Games. Later in life with Doc she discovered her love for bowling. Joan loved her family more than anything. She was a great Daughter, Sister, Mother, Wife and Friend. Her Grand-mothering skills were top notch. So much so, that she actually won “Grandmother of the year” and was honored in a parade.

She will be terribly missed by those who survived her: Her daughters Zelda and Edwina (George). Her Granddaughters Maggie (Mark), Jennifer (old maid) and Misty (Aaron). Her Grandsons Mike (Jennifer), Jeff, Eric (Jennifer), Phillip (Melissa) and Jeremy. She had 20 Great Grandchildren and 20 Great, Great Grandchildren.

She was proceeded in death by her Half Brother Frances and Half Sister Lu Lu Bell, her Sister Pauline; Ada and Roxie, and Brother Randy Jr., her husbands; Ira, Bill and Doc, her Sons; Ronnie and Ricky and her Grandson Donnie, Great Grandson Jacob and Great Great Granddaughter Daisee. We know these loved ones were waiting to Welcome her into Heaven. What a Beautiful reunion it must have been!

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private graveside service will be held for the family. Joan will be laid to rest at Mount Washington Cemetery in Independence, MO.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to “One Community Hospice & Palliative Care” 15600 Woods Chapel Rd, Suite A, Kansas City, MO 64139.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson- Speaks Chapel (816) 252-7900)