Billie Joann Jacobson was born Aug. 18, 1934, to Iva and Lynn Price. She disliked the name Billie and chose to go by her middle name Joann.
She had two children. Her precious son Guy Garcia passed away in a car accident when he was 17, leaving a hole in Joann’s heart that never healed.
She met and married the love of her life, Lou Jacobson, who preceded her in death by 12 years. They had a rich and loving life together, full of adventures. They traveled the globe, golfed, safaried, and snowmobiled. Joann also threw a mean bowling game, and loved her weekly women’s league. Rumor had it she bowled a perfect game during her league. Lou would grit his teeth when Joann out-bowled and out-golfed him, while Joann tolerated Lou’s collection of pig figurines that topped 175 by the time he passed. Joann loved the beach, but hated massages. She loved to shop and explore boutique stores in every city she would visit. She loved going out to lunch and could be found often with her friends or grandchildren fighting over who would pay the bill (she nearly always won).
Joann had a very close relationship with her grandchildren, and she loved and embraced Lou’s children and grandchildren. She was always intent on cultivating family and togetherness. She never wanted to cause any waves, often resulting in her putting others’ needs before her own. The family glue she created left its impact on the hearts of everyone she met.
Joann had a generous spirit and went out of her way to help others in need. She took in her grandchildren when their parents were unable to care for them. The time and support she gave during these times showed a foundational strength that left an indelible stamp of the true value of family and unconditional love. Joann also loved her pets and found amazing comfort in their companionship.
Her last years were filled with isolation and neglect as she was hidden away from her family and friends. Joann never wanted to leave Tooele and always cherished her home. As Joann lost her abilities, she was sequestered away and could not figure out how to contact her loved ones. Most of her family couldn’t find her for almost three years. She would want her Tooele community, family, and friends to know this truth, and that it was never her intention to be away. She was especially fond of her granddaughter Jennifer Dawn and her great-grandchildren who spent the last seven months of her life visiting her daily, offering comfort and as much dignity as could be given. During her last years Joann formed an especially tight bond with her great-granddaughters Sequoia and Coral, who were instantly soothed by her touch and shared laughs until the end.
Joann is survived by her loving grandchildren Jennifer Dawn and Johnny Atkin, and her loving great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her four step-children, John Jacobson, Kathy Bailey, Becky Thorne, and Christopher Sly.