Fredda Joann (Joan) Wyche Sammons, 91, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 26, 2024, when she passed away unexpectedly at home. Joan was born July 5, 1932, in Fort Sumner, NM after her daddy, 8-year-old brother and grandfather had left driving their cattle back to Texas, about 20 miles southwest of Andrews. They did not learn of her birth for several weeks. She grew up on a ranch in the sandhills of West Texas, with a childhood rich in faith, music, love, laughter, family, and friends. Her love of making mudpies as a little girl led to her wonderful culinary skills as a wife and mother. She was known for her tender beef ribs and hot rolls delivered to the branding pens.
Following graduation from Midland High School in 1949, the family moved to their Van Horn ranch where she met the love of her life, James Sammons, on a blind date. While he headed to Texas A&M in the fall, she headed to Christian College in Columbia, MO. The following summer they agreed to marry instead of going back to college. Together they were quite adventuresome, ranching near Allamore, TX, buying a General Motors car dealership, Sammons Chevrolet in Van Horn, which led them to ranching in South Dakota and eventually moving there in 1966. They moved to San Angelo in 1973 where she revived her love for tennis. Whether living in Van Horn, South Dakota, or San Angelo, she and James cultivated many special friendships.
Her grandchildren’s favorite memories revolve around “Camp Mimi”. She would keep all seven grandchildren for 4-6 weeks every summer, where they developed a strong love for her and each other. Every evening was spent in a circle with Bible study and prayer.
She is survived by her son, James B. (Jane) Sammons III and daughters, Ann (Robbin) Anderson and Sue Sammons, all of Georgetown, TX; grandchildren, Cuatro (Lauren) Sammons, Clayton (Jackie) Sammons, Amanda Hale, Scott Phillips, Christian Sammons, Andrea (Will) Hall, Sheridan Joann Phillips, and Samuel Phillips, three precious great-granddaughters, and three very special nieces.
She was predeceased by her husband James, daughter Suzanne, granddaughter Sadie Phillips, parents, Bill and Helen Wyche, brother Bill Wyche, Jr., and sister-in-law Ruth Wyche Cox.
The family will have a private, family only, graveside service at a future date and request any memorials be given to the Bill Wyche, Jr. Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 693, Sweetwater, TX 79556. https://www.texasffa.org/pages.aspx?ID=280
Well done, thy good and faithful servant!