Joann Hayhurst (Tuila)

LaQuita Joann Hayhurst, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2024, in Tulia, Texas, at the age of 88. Known affectionately as Joann, Mom, and Nanny Jo, she was a woman of extraordinary love, creativity, and warmth who touched the lives of her family and community in profound and lasting ways.

Born on January 6, 1936, in Tulia, Texas in the Love Community, to Milton Morris (MM) and Effie Loudella Tucker, Joann was the youngest of three children. She was blessed with a life filled with love, beginning when she married her soulmate, Wesley Hayhurst, on April 5, 1953. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love, spanning nearly 72 years and creating a legacy of family, compassion, and connection.

Joann was a true artist whose creativity knew no bounds. Her paintings and porcelain work were intricate expressions of her remarkable talent, capturing delicate details and vivid imagination. Perhaps her most beautiful canvas was her garden—a living masterpiece where each plant was nurtured with song, conversation, and immeasurable love. Her green thumb was legendary, and she would spend hours tenderly caring for her beloved flowers, speaking to each bud as if they were cherished friends.

A culinary artist in her own right, Joann was renowned for her delectable specialties. Her Brisket, 7-Up Pound Cake, Thumb-Print Cookies, Christmas Divinity, Peanut Brittle, Fudge and German Chocolate Cake were more than just recipes—they were expressions of love that brought her family together, creating memories as sweet and rich as the treats themselves.

Joann's most profound gift was her ability to love unconditionally. She had an extraordinary capacity to truly know and understand the people in her life, offering support, wisdom, and acceptance that made everyone feel seen and valued. Her love was a warm embrace that continued long after she was no longer physically present.

She is survived by her devoted husband Wesley, her children Kent (Becca) of Santa Fe, NM, Kelly (GiGi) of Canyon, TX, Morris (Wendy) of Derby, KS, and Luanna (Norris) of Austin, TX. Her legacy continues through her 14 grandchildren, their spouses, 20 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren—a family tree rooted in love and nurtured by her incredible spirit.

Joann was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Billy and Kenneth Tucker, grandson Cameron Cole, and daughter-in-law Linda Hayhurst. While she will be deeply missed, her memory will continue to inspire and comfort those who knew and loved her.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 19, from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Kornerstone in Tulia, TX. A private family burial will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery at 11:00 AM. Friday, December 20, 2024 and memorial services to be officiated by her son Kent Hayhurst, will be held at 1:00 PM at Central Church of Christ in Tulia, TX. 

Arrangements are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Tulia, Texas.