Joan Vriesen, of Vicksburg, MS, went to be with the Lord, June 13, 2020.  She was born on February 17, 1935 in Memphis Tennessee to Perry and Irene Griffin and grew up in Alma Arkansas with 6 younger brothers.

Joan married Francis Vriesen February 14, 1955.  She attended college at University of Arkansas and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. While working as a secretary, she attended Mississippi College.

Joan and Francis made their home in Vicksburg in 1968.  She started her career as an educator in Vicksburg High School and Rosa A. Temple High School.  As a Vocational Education Trainer, she taught several generations and impacted many lives in Warren County and beyond.  She and Jan Walker started Christian Center for Educational Excellence in 1985 and continued teaching until 2014.

She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, her son, Karl Vriesen of Jackson Mississippi and her daughter, Kathie Vriesen Brown, of Cat Spring Texas. She has 5 grandchildren 4 great grandchildren.

She was preceded by her son, Kevin Vriesen, her parents, her brothers Kenneth and Steve Griffin.

Her passion was teaching and enjoyed reading, gardening, playing the piano and singing.  Time with family and church was monumental.  She will be remembered for her love for God and her loving heart and will be greatly missed by her husband, family, and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17 at  Antioch Cemetery, next to Goodrum Church, under the direction of Fisher-Riles Funeral Home.