Joanne Zaenglein Mewbourne

Joanne Zaenglein Mewbourne, age 90, died peacefully at her home surrounded by family on February 20, 2026. Joanne was born on October 16, 1935, in Shreveport, Louisianna to Cletus M. Zaenglein and Dorothy Zartman Zaenglein, the middle of three children. A wonderful athlete, Joanne excelled at tennis in high school and after becoming a Texas Amateur with ranking #3 and winning a mixed doubles state championship with partner Bill Lust before switching to golf later in life. A woman of remarkable discipline and focus, Joanne became accomplished at most anything she set her mind to. She easily surpassed her husband in golf, fishing, fitness and most every sport except marksmanship – a fact that he took great pleasure in. After graduation from Byrd High School in 1953, Joanne attended Southern Methodist University, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, before graduating from Centenary College in Shreveport. Joanne married her high school sweetheart, Curtis Mewbourne on March 7, 1959, and the two of them loved and supported one another through 63 years of marriage until Curtis died on June 23, 2022. Always supportive of Curtis, Joanne provided much of the capital to start their business from earnings she saved while living at home prior to their marriage. She was the ideal helpmate taking care of their three daughters while Curtis worked to build the company. They moved to Tyler from Dallas in 1972 and while active broadly in the community, they took special pleasure in supporting Marvin Methodist Church where they were active members for 54 years. Their passion was the music ministry, where Joanne sang in the choir for many years. Joanne was known to her family and friends for her tremendous kindness. Other than slow play on the golf course, Joanne never uttered an unkind word about anyone. She was a wonderful example in how she lived her life and her family will miss her greatly. We take comfort that she is with her Lord and Savior and reunited with family and friends who preceded her in that journey home. We will move forward focusing on times of joy and always knowing God is good. Later in life, Joanne enjoyed being with family, especially her four precious great-granddaughters. She is survived by her three daughters, Dorothy Cuenod and husband Ronny of Houston, Ruth Buckley and husband Roe and Julie Greene and husband Drew, both of Tyler; her brother David Zaenglein of Tyler; as well as her grandchildren, Cameron Cuenod and wife Sage and Morgan Cuenod of Houston; Kirby Cuenod of Nashville; Merritte Greene and Wills Greene and fiancé Stephanie Fuentes of Dallas; Griffin Greene and fiancé Peyton Warren of Midland; Hale Buckley and wife Chloe and Anna Gray Buckley of Tyler. Her family wishes to thank her devoted caregivers for their kind and faithful attention over the last 2 years: Tymphony Ervin, Angela Ponce, Angie Martin, Jennifer Crosby, Gonzalo Argote, Vernetta Stevens and Nancy James. Heartfelt gratitude goes to Hospice of East Texas, specifically to her nurse Morgan Kincaide and aide Peggy Brown. We deeply appreciate their loving compassion and care. Memorial services for Joanne will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Marvin Methodist Church Sanctuary in Tyler with Dr. Doug Baker and Rev. Gerry Giles officiating. A private family interment will be held in Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marvin Methodist Church Choir Enrichment Fund, 300 West Erwin Street, Tyler 75702 (https://marvin.church) or Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler 75701 (www.hospiceofeasttexas.org).

Joanne Zaenglein Mewbourne

October 16, 1935 - February 20, 2026