Shirley Joann Warnke

Shirley Joann Warnke, of Columbus, Ohio, passed from this earth on October 4, 2007. Her passing was unexpected and in her sleep. Joann was the wife of John Warnke; they would have celebrated their 46th anniversary in November. She was noted as an artist and a teacher of art. Her love of art was second to the love of her family. She is survived by her husband John, her four daughters Marta Durban (Lee) of Columbus, Pamela Frame (Rob), Simi Valley, Ca., Angela Maxwell (David), Phoenix, Az. and Tonya Hunter (Steve) of Ft. Wayne, In. Her grandchildren Christopher Durban, Monica Durban, Madison Frame, John Maxwell, Wyatt Hunter and Chloe Hunter were the sun and stars of her life. Also surviving are her three sisters Jeanine Provencal, Columbus, Ohio, Jeanette McKenzie, Ironton, Ohio and Janice Wheeler, Corpus Christi, Tx. And her brother-in-laws Cliff Provencal and Richard Wheeler. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews whom she enjoyed. She was predeceased by her parents William and Shirley Large of Ironton, Ohio, and her brother-in-law James McKenzie. To know her was to remember her. Her love of life was contagious and was expressed in her art. Each day was a new day, never experienced before and to be enjoyed to the fullest. Each sunrise was a miracle to marvel at the brightness and to see the shadows it produced. Joann felt everyone had artistic ability, they just didn't know how to express it. Each new person was to be enjoyed, to be understood and to be part of the life experience. How she loved to walk and explore the neighborhood. Stopping and talking to strangers was a daily occurrence. Her daughters knew her on several levels. They knew her as a mother, a grandmother, an artist and a confidant. She allowed her children to grow as individuals and to learn who they were and who they could become. She permitted them to express themselves and yet guided them to full, meaningful life. She provided John the completeness of her love. Joann supported him, encouraged him and praised him. She was unwavering in her love and support of his life and his efforts. She will always be the truth he turns to and carries in his heart. He will miss her every moment of every day. Her current home was her sanctuary for 36 years. She loved the space it provided and the closeness of her loved ones. Her home and the Grandview community meant much to her. She would not leave either of them except in death. She was a member of Community Baptist Church in Deering, Ohio. A church started by her maternal grandfather. She was also a member of Lane Avenue Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests a gift in memory of Joann to the Grandview Senior Center, Building Fund, 1515 West Goodale Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43212 (614) 488-3111. Friends may call at the DEYO-DAVIS FUNERAL HOME, 1578 W. First Ave., Grandview Hts., Sunday 4-8 p.m. Funeral service Monday, 10:30 a.m. at Lane Avenue Baptist Church, 1610 W. Lane Ave,, Rev. Wayne Nicholson officiating. Private interment.

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