JoAnn was born September 28, 1938 in Floresville, Texas to William and Lillie Raska. She attended Floresville High School where she played sports, held class offices, and reigned every year as Queen or Sweetheart of the various festivals. She then moved on to Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, Texas where she graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business. Her college yearbook quoted next to her graduation picture, “JoAnn says she has no immediate plans for marriage, but we predict this statement won’t hold for long. We wish her success, whether she chooses teaching or office work, while she awaits Prince Charming.” Upon graduation, she began working in San Antonio, and that is where she met her Prince Charming, soulmate, and husband, James Bland. The couple was married in San Antonio in 1967 and moved to New Orleans, Louisiana where she had a successful career with IBM. Joann retired from IBM to work at home, and together, she and James had two children, Cindy and James Jr., and went on to build an incredible life.

JoAnn lived selflessly each and every day for her family, not because of obligation, but because that brought her purpose and joy. Her husband and children will remember her as a force of unconditional love and unwavering support in their lives with a quiet, yet stubborn, strength. And, her grandchildren will always remember her warm embrace, birthday and holiday cards, and of course, chocolate chip cookies and yellow cake! JoAnn never met a stranger, particularly in the grocery store, and she enjoyed cooking, dancing at weddings, attending luncheons with her girlfriends, and going to Mardi Gras parades!

JoAnn was a member of the Catholic Church her entire life and an active parishioner at Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Kenner, LA. She never missed a Sunday Mass or holy day of obligation, no matter where she was in the world or how difficult or inconvenient attending might be. She was simply a beautiful soul and servant to the Lord.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her sisters, Rose Marie Haverlah and Betty Jean Foshee (Wilson Foshee). She is survived by her husband, James Bland, daughter, Cindy Bland Baker, son, James Bland, Jr., daughter-in-law, Evette Bland, and grandchildren, Jack Baker, Cate Baker, J.R. Bland, and Pierce Bland.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Saturday, August 26, 2023 from 12:30PM until 2:00PM. The Funeral Mass will be held in the chapel at 2:00PM, with Fr. Robert Cooper officiating. Please join the family in celebrating JoAnn’s life with a reception that will follow in the Event Center of the funeral home from 3:00PM until 5:00PM. The interment will be privately held in Carthage, Arkansas.

JoAnn will be missed more than words can express, but we know she will rest in peace in the company of angels and saints forever.Interment at Mt Zion Cemetery at Carthage, AR will be announced.