Joan Ann WILLIFORD

Joan Ann Williford, age 85, of Bridgeton, MO, passed into eternity and met Jesus face to face on July 24, 2025 while at Evelyn’s House in Creve Coeur, MO. She was born on November 28, 1939 to Sidney and Bertha Holley in St Louis, MO. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Franklin Delano Williford as well as her four children, John Joseph “Jack” Caswell Jr., Frank Richard Caswell, Timothy Michael Caswell (Micheal Sullivan) and Catherine Lee “Katie” (Shawn) Crass. Eight grandchildren, John Joseph Caswell III “Joe” (Sarah) Caswell, Alex Paulus, Michael & Matthew Caswell, Courtney Caswell, Claudia, Emily & Holly Crass. Four great grandchildren, Zoey, Hudson & Vaughn Caswell and Anderson Paulus. She has many nieces and nephews who all love her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Bertha Holley, three brothers, Sidney Leon Holley Jr., Gerald Raymond Holley and and infant sibling they called “Little Joe”. Joan was an active member of Grace Baptist Church with her husband for many years. She was raised in a Catholic home and attended private Catholic elementary and high schools. She was saved by the Grace of God and dedicated her life to the Lord and followed in believers baptism in 1996, where she has faithfully served at her home church since. Joan’s life was defined by her commitment to the Lord, her family and friends. Her Faith in the Lord sustained her through many trials in her life. Her testimony of the Love and goodness of God was never shaken. Even in her darkest days, she would consider herself blessed and would always find something to be thankful for. Her Faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ are tremendous blessings and a gift she leaves for her family and all who knew her. She enjoyed volunteering in different roles in church and her community before her health limited that ability. She loved every moment with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed attending various sporting events for all of her kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren through the years. She was always there to support and cheer! She loved crafting, drawing, coloring, crocheting and creating new projects with her grandchildren, even up to the final week of her life on earth. Joan was passionate about organ donation and served as a mentor for transplant patients with Washington University. Because of another families gift of life through organ donation in October of 2002, Joan was able to welcome two more grandchildren and all four great grandchildren into the world and witness her grandson marry his beautiful wife. Joan never met a stranger, she had the gift of gab and would talk to anyone who would listen! She loved trips to The Dollar Tree with her granddaughters, always finding a great deal on something she had to have ! Her greatest desire and prayer for years has been that all of her children and grandchildren would accept Christ into their hearts, submit to His leading and trust Jesus as their Savior. Her legacy as a prayer warrior will never be forgotten. There will be a visitation at Grace Baptist Church on Monday August 4, 2025 from 5-7pm. A Celebration of Life service at 7 pm will immediately follow the visitation. Graveside services will be private for family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation in her honor can be made to Evelyn’s House or Mid America Transplant. To register as an organ donor, visit http://registerme.org

Joan Ann WILLIFORD

November 28, 1939 - July 24, 2025