Joan was born on July 6, 1932, in Beeville, Texas, to C.J. and Marion (Stephenson) McBride. As a young child, Joan moved to Laredo with her parents, where they welcomed five more children. Joan graduated from Martin High School and from Texas A&I College in Kingsville with a degree in Education.
She met her future husband, Victor Fusselman, Jr., in Corpus Christi, Texas, and they were married on June 23, 1956. They lived in Victoria, Texas until 1959, when they headed to Houston, Texas, with their two young boys, Greg and Bob. There they welcomed four more children – Diane, Michele, Bruce, and Will. Joan and Victor moved the family to Pearland, Texas, in 1973, where they lived for many years. Joan was a devoted mama and wife, and she worked many years as a home-bound and fifth grade teacher for the Pearland schools. After retiring from the public-school system, Joan used her skills as an educator and entrepreneur to help children “learn how to learn.” In early 2016, Joan moved from her home of 43 years to live with Greg and his family in Melissa. Surrounded by loving family, Joan passed peacefully to our Lord on July 27, 2020.
Joan loved her Catholic faith and her family – her greatest treasures. She delighted in those around her, especially those she loved. She had a keen sense of humor, told the best spooky stories, had a delightful Irish laugh, and was just plain-fun to be with - she loved a good party and a nice dinner out, especially Mexican food. Joan generously volunteered her time serving on committees for St. Joseph’s Hospital in Houston, St. Mary’s Catholic Center in College Station, and as a catechist in her parish. She served over a decade in Aggie Moms and was honored to serve at the state level in the Federation of Aggie Moms. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, affectionate oldest sister, favorite Aunt Joanie to many nieces and nephews, proud Aggie Mom, a loyal friend to many, and the proud grandmother to 26 grandchildren (13 boys and 13 girls) and 11 great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her loving family and friends, who are thankful for her life and who cherish their memories of her
She is survived by her sons, Greg (& Debbie) Fusselman of Melissa, Texas, Bob (& Camille) Fusselman of Grapevine, Texas, Bruce (& Michelle) Fusselman of Trophy Club, Texas, and Will (& Megan) Fusselman of College Station, Texas; daughters, Diane (& Rodney) Bond of Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma, and Michele Fusselman of south Texas; sisters, Joyce Yeary of San Antonio, Texas, Patty (& Ivy) McCoy of Gordon, Texas, and Kathy (& Larry) Netzer of San Antonio, Texas; sister-in-law, Harriett McBride of Augusta, Georgia; twenty-six grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Victor Fusselman, Jr.; brother, Dennis McBride; sister, Margaret McBride; and parents, C.J. and Marion McBride.
As a living memorial to Joan, please consider donating blood. She was the recipient of many life-giving blood donations over the last several years.
A Rosary service will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. with Visitation from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 3, 2020 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 411 Paula Road, McKinney, Texas. Visitation and Prayers will be before Mass from 9:00 to 9:45 at the church. Interment will follow at Restland Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.